Is Lauri Markkanen playing tonight against Bucks? Injury update on Jazz star (Nov. 7)
Lauri Markkanen has been one of the notable absentees for the Utah Jazz. The franchise has been off to a disastrous start to the season, losing six games on the bounce before chalking up their first win against the Chicago Bulls earlier this week. The forward has missed a few games since suffering a back injury during the Sacramento Kings last month.
Markkanen has since been ruled out with back spasms and has been listed questionable ahead of the clash against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Fiserv Forum on Thursday (Nov. 7). Chances are that he could be a game-time decision, considering that his status hasn't seen him ruled out of the fixture. His presence on the floor against Milwaukee will surely offer a massive boost to the Jazz on both ends of the floor.
The Jazz have listed Isaiah Collier (hamstring) and Jordan Clarkson (heel) as questionable leading into the matchup against the equally-struggling Bucks.
Lauri Markkanen and the failed Warriors-Jazz trade talks continue to garner headlines
Lauri Markkanen was one of the key names to watch out for this summer and the likes of the Golden State Warriors and the LA Lakers were linked to the forward. However, the move never went through as he inked a five-year, $238 million extension with Utah.
According to ESPN's Kendra Andrews, sources said that Golden State didn't "want to be involved in any 'bad deals'" that would see them trade pieces they were unsure of letting go of in exchange for a player on their radar. In negotiations with Utah, sources added that the Jazz's ask for Markkanen reportedly fell under the "bad deal" bucket for the Warriors leading to a stalemate.
Markkanen began his third season in Utah averaging 18.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists on 38.5% shooting from the field and 45.0% shooting from deep within four games. Earlier, it was reported that he was looking to get back into action during the Jazz's road trip.
Lauri Markkanen and the Jazz end their four-game road trip when they play the San Antonio Spurs at the Frost Bank Center. They head back home for a couple of games at the Delta Center before hitting the road for a four-game trip. Only time will tell if the side can string up a few wins in the next five games to pull their campaign out of the dire straits they are in.