Oscar

Tshiebwe

With Jusuf Nurkić out for the season and Lauri Markkanen down for at least another week, the Jazz will rely on Kyle Filipowski and Oscar Tshiebwe to handle the frontcourt responsibilities now that Love is also out for Monday’s game. Filipowski offers a far higher fantasy ceiling.

Tshiebwe is good to go for Friday’s game, and there may be rotation minutes available. Jusuf Nurkić (nose) has been ruled out, and Lauri Markkanen (illness) was downgraded to doubtful, so the Jazz are on track to be without two starters. That leaves Kyle Filipowski, Kevin Love and Tshiebwe as legitimate post players who would be available.

While Tshiebwe’s availability does not affect fantasy basketball, he could be active for Friday’s game if cleared from concussion protocol. Already without Jaren Jackson Jr. for the rest of the season, the Jazz have ruled out Jusuf Nurkić (nose) for Friday night.

Love has been ruled out due to “rest” for a third straight game, so whenever he ends up playing again, he should feel quite refreshed. With Jusuf Nurkic sidelined as well, Oscar Tshiebwe may return to the rotation to fill the backup center minutes behind Kyle Filipowski.

Tshiebwe hasn’t been able to carve out a role in the NBA since going undrafted in 2023, but whenever he gets the opportunity to play, he dominates the glass. He has played in 10 games since the All-Star break and has finished with at least 10 rebounds in eight of them. Sunday’s game was his third-straight double-double, which is a great way for him to end the season. Unfortunately, there isn’t currently a clear path for him to play rotation minutes next season, so we may have to wait until next March and April for him to shine.

Tshiebwe was back in the Jazz rotation for the first time since March 31 and took advantage of his opportunity. A double-digit rebounder in six of his 12 appearances this season, the second-year pivot recorded his second double-double. While Kyle Filipowski’s playing time is the priority for Utah as they close out their season, Tshiebwe should have opportunities in Utah’s final two games, especially with Walker Kessler in the league’s concussion protocol.

With both Collin Sexton (pelvis) and Cody Williams (illness) sidelined against Charlotte, Sensabaugh and Juzang will fill out the open spots in the starting lineup. Both players scored in double figures in Utah’s last game and should take on extra minutes as starters. Martin will also replace Oscar Tshiebwe in the starting unit.

Markkanen last appeared in a game on March 17, while Monday’s game will be the second that Kessler has missed. Their absences mean Oscar Tshiebwe and Kyle Filipowski will likely remain in the starting lineup, and both are worth rostering in deep leagues. Filipowski has a higher offensive ceiling, while Tshiebwe is especially useful to managers needing rebounds.

Walker Kessler did not play in Friday’s game, resulting in Tshiebwe making his first start as a pro. While the second-year center did not have the best night shooting-wise, going 2-of-5 from the field, he did reach double figures in rebounds for the fourth time this season. Depending on Kessler’s availability, Tshiebwe will have more opportunities before the season ends. However, he still isn’t worth the risk in most fantasy leagues.

Kessler could be sidelined for the second night of Utah’s back-to-back, and reports indicated that he appeared ill in the locker room after Thursday’s game. Oscar Tshiebwe will be available to take on some of the center minutes if Kessler isn’t available, and KJ Martin could replace him in the starting unit, with Kyle Filipowski sliding to center.