Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (back) will return from a one-game absence on Sunday versus Sacramento. Utah has upgraded him throughout the day, and he's now officially available for the contest. The Finnish star was a late scratch on Friday against Portland due to a back issue. Markkanen is Utah's leading scorer, averaging 19.2 points per game, and he should enjoy a productive comeback game in a meeting against a team that plays with the seventh-highest pace in the league and has a mediocre defense. The Kings gave up 25 points on 75 percent shooting to Markkanen in the previous head-to-head matchup.
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (back) will not suit up for Friday's meeting with Portland. He has been ruled out for low back injury management purposes. Svi Mykhailiuk will fill in for Markkanen in the starting lineup. This is an interesting move, as the Jazz have so far used the Ukrainian in only four games this season. He's averaged 4.3 points in 12.3 minutes. With Markkanen unavailable, Brice Sensabaugh and Johnny Juzang should also have more opportunities to play. The latter has built up momentum ahead of Friday's action by scoring 10-plus points in back-to-back games.
The Utah Jazz announced that forward Lauri Markkanen (personal) will not play against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday for personal reasons. On Tuesday against the Spurs, the 27-year-old suffered a contusion on his left knee, forcing him to exit the contest early. However, the Jazz injury report shows no indication that he is sitting because of the injury. With Kyle Filipowski (leg) unavailable and John Collins (knee) listed as questionable, Walker Kessler and Brice Sensabaugh could see more time on the court than usual.
Lauri Markkanen Set To Play On Saturday Against Sacramento
Dallas Mavericks forward Lauri Markkanen (eye) has been upgraded to active for Saturday night's matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. Markkanen has an eye contusion but will be able to play through it. The 27-year-old has been producing below his norms this season, shooting just 39.8% from the floor compared to his career average of 45.8%. He's been very solid from beyond the arc, though, as he's shooting 41.9% from three. The Kings give up over 41 three point attempts per game, giving Markkanen extra potential to go off from deep tonight. Fantasy managers in all formats need to ensure Markkanen is in their lineups before tipoff.
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (eye) is questionable for Saturday's showdown with the Sacramento Kings. The veteran hasn't met expectations during the 2024-25 campaign, averaging 16.3 points, considerably less than last season. He's also already missed three games, so another absence would be frustrating for fantasy managers. With that in mind, if the eye contusion keeps Markkanen out of the lineup, Cody Williams will likely take his spot. However, the 19-year-old has averaged only 4.6 points in seven starts this season, so he's not a trustworthy fantasy performer. Instead, Markkanen's absence should allow guys like Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson, Keyonte George, and John Collins see a bump in fantasy production.
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (back) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. The veteran has missed Utah's previous three games because of back spasms, opening the door for Kyle Filipowski to enter the starting lineup. The rookie has been decent with the first five, averaging 7.0 points and 5.3 rebounds while shooting 37.5% from deep. However, that kind of production won't earn him a place in most fantasy lineups. Instead, John Collins, who is coming off a massive 28-point, 13-rebound, and five-assist showing from off the bench in Monday's win over the Bulls, should be the preferred fantasy option if Markkanen doesn't suit up.
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (back) won't play on Monday night versus the Chicago Bulls. The 27-year-old was listed as questionable earlier in the day on Monday. However, his status changed to doubtful, so most already assumed he'd miss a third consecutive contest. Kyle Filipowski will likely remain with the first five, with the 20-year-old averaging a decent 7.0 points and 5.5 rebounds in two starts this season. John Collins should also continue to benefit from off the bench and remains in line to surpass his fantasy expectations.
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (back) is still dealing with lower back spasms and has received a questionable tag ahead of Monday's tip-off with the Chicago Bulls. The star wing has missed the team's last two contests, so getting him back into the lineup would do wonders for their chances to grab a win. Markkanen has dealt with a lot of injury issues over the last few seasons and the Jazz haven't rushed him back, so he could miss another game to err on the cautious side. If he doesn't suit up, John Collins and Kyle Filipowski will see added minutes.
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (back) won't play against the Nuggets on Saturday. The 27-year-old exited Tuesday's game versus the Kings and didn't suit up on Thursday against the visiting Spurs. He was listed as doubtful heading into this one. But now that Markkanen is officially sidelined, his next chance to suit up will be on Monday in Chicago. Kyle Filipowski, who got the start on Thursday, finished with 12 points, five rebounds, and one assist. Yet, since Jordan Clarkson (foot) is also sidelined, Filipowski could see more chances on the offensive end. He may also get more minutes.
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (back) has been ruled out for Thursday's tilt against San Antonio. Back spasms limited Markkanen to only 17 minutes last time out against Sacramento, and the team will keep him out of action on Thursday after initially listing him as questionable for the game. Utah's frontcourt has also lost Taylor Hendricks (lower leg) this week, leaving Kyle Filipowski and John Collins in a position to benefit. Filipowski flirted with a double-double on Tuesday versus the Kings when he finally received a good chunk of minutes. Collins has been limited to a bench role this season but has been productive with 14.8 points and 6.3 rebounds in 21.0 minutes.
Lauri Markkanen
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