Walker

Kessler

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.

Kessler will miss another game as he’s still in the league’s concussion protocol and has a broken nose. Kyle Filipowski figures to remain in the starting lineup, giving his fantasy ceiling a boost. It’s getting increasingly likely that Kessler will miss the rest of the season given the nature of his injury.

Kessler will remain out for another game. He’s in the league’s concussion protocol and has a broken nose. Kyle Filipowski should remain the starting center, which raises his fantasy ceiling. Given the nature of Kessler’s injury, it would be surprising if he played again this season, especially with the Jazz prioritizing their draft lottery odds.

Kessler played on Wednesday after missing Utah’s two previous games with an illness. However, he is now listed as out due to a nasal fracture that also has him in concussion protocols. With 10 days left in the regular season, it wouldn’t be surprising if Kessler didn’t suit up again this season. KJ Martin should return to the starting lineup, with Kyle Filipowski sliding over to center.

After a two-game absence, Kessler returned to the Jazz lineup and played 28 minutes on Wednesday. He did fill out the stat sheet, which, unfortunately, included a 1-of-5 night at the foul line. The inconsistent availability has negatively impacted Kessler’s fantasy value, as he’s ranked well outside the top 150 in eight- and nine-cat formats over the past two weeks. Of course, fantasy managers who have him rostered aren’t going to drop Kessler, nor should they. That said, Kyle Filipowski has been far more reliable recently, and he’s only rostered in 39 percent of Yahoo! leagues. The rookie struggled on Wednesday, shooting 3-of-14 from the field and dropping a 6/11/1/2/2 line, but he’s provided ninth-round value over the past two weeks.

Sexton and Kessler are back after missing Monday’s loss to the Hornets. Due to their returns, the Jazz have moved Johnny Juzang and KJ Martin to the bench. While both players should continue to log rotation minutes, there isn’t much to gain from rostering Juzang or Martin in most leagues.

Sexton and Kessler both missed Utah’s last game against Charlotte, but they will be back against Houston, with Kessler returning from a two-game absence. Sexton’s return will push one of Brice Sensabaugh or Johnny Juzang to the bench, though both should still play significant roles. Kessler’s return should result in KJ Martin returning to a reserve role, with Kyle Filipowski shifting over the power forward.

Kessler and Sexton have a shot at playing on Wednesday, which is suitable for those who have either player rostered on their fantasy teams. However, if cleared to play, both players will likely have their playing time limited. Johnny Juzang and KJ Martin started Monday’s loss to the Hornets and would retain those roles if Kessler and Sexton remain out.

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.