Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen, who has missed the last seven games while recovering from an illness, was able to practice on Monday and is expected to play in Tuesday’s game against the Clippers, tweets Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune.
Markkanen is averaging a career-high 27.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.0 steal on .483/.365/.884 shooting through 33 games this season (36.0 minutes per contest). While multiple teams are said to have interest in the Finnish star, he’s reportedly not expected to be traded prior to the deadline.
Utah has a 14-19 record with Markkanen in the lineup in 2025/26, compared to an abysmal 1-12 mark when he’s unavailable. Overall, the team is 15-31, the sixth-worst record in the NBA.
The Jazz’s place in the reverse standings is noteworthy because they will owe their 2026 first-round pick to Oklahoma City if it lands outside the top eight.
Need to start showcasing Lauri!
No, they’re doing the annual Markkanen in and and out of the lineup with any little injury tank strategy. Not sure why so many people thank they’re trading him. If they were going to trade him they would’ve done it before he signed the extension.
They’re showcasing the Bosnian Beast. Nurkić has three consecutive triple doubles