Jazz Deliver Status Update on Lauri Markkanen vs Thunder

Utah will have its leading scorer back versus the Oklahoma City Thunder,

Jan 11, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) looks on against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images | Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

The Utah Jazz got some good news regarding one of their top contributors. Lauri Markkanen will be suiting up for the Jazz for the first time since January 11 versus the Oklahoma City Thunder. Markkanen had missed Utah’s previous four contests due to a back injury. 

Jazz Injury Report:

*AVAILABLE - John Collins (left hip; injury management)

*AVAILABLE - Lauri Markkanen (low back; spasms)

*OUT - Brice Sensabaugh (right ankle; sprain)

OUT - Jordan Clarkson (left plantar; fasciitis)

OUT - Taylor Hendricks (right fibula; fracture)

OUT -…

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) January 22, 2025

Utah's leading scorer is averaging 20.1 points on 42.8% from the field. Statistically, it's been a down season. Markkanen is coming off a year in which he averaged 23.2 points on 48% shooting.

The Markkanen news is coming off a stretch of games against other teams competing for lottery odds. Utah appears to be taking no chances to maximize its draft position. With starting forward John Collins also ready to play, this will be the first time in eight games in which Utah's starting five will be suiting up together.

This will be a battle of two franchises headed in different directions. The Jazz are losers of three in a row and six of their last seven. The Jazz have turned up the notch in their tanking strategy over the last couple of weeks. If the season were to end today, the Jazz would possess the third-best lottery odds.

The Jazz will be going through a tough stretch of games over the next couple weeks. Utah’s next six out of seven games will be against franchises with a winning record. 

The Thunder are in first place in the Western Conference with a 35-7 record. Also, Oklahoma boasts a 19-2 record at home. Utah is 7-16 on the road this season. The top-off is at 6:00 pm MT. 

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