Lauri

Markkanen

Markkanen injured his hip and ankle in practice on Wednesday, but it’s the hip that will force him to miss time. He underwent an MRI that “showed symptomatic hip impingement with associated inflammation and bone bruise.” He’ll miss at least eight games, though he could certainly remain out longer. John Konchar is starting in his place on Thursday.

It’s also possible that Markkanen will miss the remainder of the season following injuries suffered in practice this week. However, the NBA is allegedly set to send an independent doctor to review Markkanen’s MRI results to ensure the severity of the injury. He should be held in all fantasy leagues until that official word comes down. Brice Sensabaugh figures to pick up some of the offensive lack with Markkanen out.

Markkanen suffered ankle and hip injuries during Wednesday’s practice, casting some doubt on his availability for Thursday’s game. While John Konchar is the most likely choice to start if Markkanen has to miss time, Brice Sensabaugh offers a much higher fantasy ceiling, even if he comes off the bench.

The team hasn’t made an official statement yet, but it seems like Markkanen is set to miss some time, depending on the result of the MRI. John Konchar started when Markkanen was sidelined on Friday, and he could return to the starting unit with Markkanen out. Brice Sensabaugh should also see a bump in minutes.

Markkanen led the way for the Jazz with 29 points in Monday’s loss to the Rockets. The 28-year-old power forward didn’t have the best shooting game, going 10-of-23 from the field. Markkanen has provided top-25 overall per game value over the last two weeks. The Jazz have two more games in Week 18, the next of which comes on Thursday against the Pelicans.

Markkanen was initially listed as probable with an illness, so his availability for Monday’s game against the Rockets isn’t a surprise. He’s set to return after missing Friday’s loss to the Grizzlies. Markkanen’s return will spell John Konchar’s return to the bench.

Markkanen appears to be on track to play Monday night after sitting out Friday’s loss to the Grizzlies. His return would likely mean that John Konchar comes off the bench, which limits Konchar’s already-low fantasy value.

Markkanen’s final injury listing should come as no surprise, after previously being downgraded from questionable to doubtful. Friday’s absence will mark the 16th of the season for the versatile forward, who is having one of his better seasons. With him out of the lineup for a second consecutive game, Brice Sensabaugh should continue to log heavy minutes and see more of the offensive load.

Initially questionable for Friday’s game, Markkanen is now on track not to play. If he sits, there should be more minutes available to Kyle Filipowski and Svi Mykhailiuk, with the former offering higher fantasy upside.

Markkanen is a late addition to the injury report, which doesn’t bode well for his availability against Memphis. With the star forward potentially on the shelf, fantasy managers can stream Kyle Filipowski in a favorable matchup. Svi Mykhailiuk could see a bump in playing time, too.