John

Collins

During Wednesday’s loss to the Grizzlies, Collins sprained his left ankle, and Utah’s announcement means he’ll miss at least eight games. KJ Martin has been the replacement in the starting lineup when Collins hasn’t been available, and this should not change. However, Collins’ absence also raises Kyle Filipowski’s ceiling, as he has been relegated to the bench whenever Walker Kessler is available. Filipowski offers a higher ceiling than Martin, who boasts the higher floor.

Collins had previously been dealing with a back injury, but now he is being held out because of a left ankle sprain. Kyle Filipowski or KJ Martin should replace him in the starting unit, though both should see a bump in minutes. Filipowski is the better fantasy option.

Collins returned from a five-game absence due to a back injury Monday and had 28 points and 10 rebounds. He wasn’t quite as good Wednesday against the Grizzlies with 22 points and seven rebounds. Still, fantasy managers have to be thrilled each time Collins this late in the season. The 27-year-old power forward’s biggest problem this season has been availability and the Jazz could opt to sit him out as their lottery chances take priority down the stretch of the season.

Collins returned after missing the last five games with a back injury. The 27-year-old power forward scored 28 points, but was hardly efficient taking 30 shots with the Jazz missing multiple starters. Collins has plenty of fantasy value, but his availability down the stretch of the season — he seems to sit out against any opponent when a Jazz loss would benefit draft positioning — has to concern fantasy managers.

Collins will be back after missing Utah’s last five games. He seems to only be made available against good teams to ensure the Jazz lose to their competitors in the lottery. His return will likely push KJ Martin back to a reserve role.

Markkanen has missed eight in a row, and Collins has missed five. Both have a chance to return. If they’re sidelined, Johnny Juzang, Brice Sensabaugh and Kyle Filipowski could see increased run.

Kessler grabbed a career-best 25 rebounds in Friday’s loss to Toronto, but the tanking Jazz will keep him on the sideline against an equally tanky Sixers squad. With Collins still nursing a back injury, Utah could employ KJ Martin and Kyle Filipowski as the starting frontcourt, as they did the last two games in which both Kessler and Collins were out.

Walker Kessler (rest) is available. Kessler will return to the lineup following a one-game absence, and he’ll presumably handle an elevated workload with Collins still sidelined.

Kessler and Collins are two of five Jazz rotation players who will not be available for Wednesday’s game. Their absences mean KJ Martin and Kyle Filipowski will remain in the starting lineup. Filipowski offers a higher upside in fantasy leagues and should be rostered for the rest of the season. As for Martin, he’s slightly more valuable than the average streamer due to Collins’ recent inactivity.

Collins will remain out for a second-straight game with a back injury. His absence will likely mean another start for KJ Martin. While he has provided modest value as a starter, Utah’s limited numbers make Martin worthy of a look in deep leagues.