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Jazz receive mixed injury news on Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr.
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- Jazz receive mixed injury news on Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr.
Last night, the Jazz lost a close game to the Memphis Grizzlies. It wasn't the actual loss that hurt so badly, though. It was Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. both leaving the game early, with some indications that the injuries could be serious.
Markkanen and Jackson Jr. are vital parts of what was supposed to be a rejuvenated Jazz team this season. Losing them for extended periods of time would be brutal for the team's playoff outlook. Especially with JusufNurkić already out and Jaxson Hayes being a little banged up, the injuries felt demoralizing. It's being reported today, though, that the Jazz may have dodged a bullet, depending on your outlook.
Jackson Jr. will be sidelined with a torn MCL in his right knee but will avoid surgery. He'll be re-evaluated in six weeks. Markkanen suffered a right wrist sprain and is listed as day-to-day, meaning it looks like he'll avoid a prolonged absence.
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Going forward, the Jazz will hope to get Hayes, Markkanen and Nurkić back soon, but they'll have to wait a while before Jackson Jr. is available to return to the lineup.
Some of the younger players, like Ace Bailey and Darryn Peterson, should have more opportunities to make even stronger impacts on the court.
Older vets like Mo Bamba and Tony Bradley will also likely get chances to earn more playing time going forward.
