Utah Jazz

Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (hip) will miss a second consecutive game on Thursday versus Dallas. The seven-foot-one giant has a problem with his right hip. Kessler's fantasy value has received a boost this season after he was reinserted into the starting lineup. He's been close to averaging a double-double, notching 9.2 points and 10.7 rebounds with 2.8 blocks. In his absence, John Collins was back among the starters on Tuesday and looks set for a larger role again. He produced a very juicy line a couple of nights back against Phoenix, scoring a team-high 29 points with 10 rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block.

Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (hip) won't play in Tuesday's game versus the Phoenix Suns. He's dealing with hip soreness, so he'll miss his first game of the 2024-25 campaign. The 23-year-old has averaged only 9.2 points this season. However, he's logged career-highs in rebounds (10.7) and blocks (2.8). Without him, John Collins and Drew Eubanks should split time in the middle, with both men potentially getting involved enough to surpass fantasy expectations, especially if Phoenix is without Jusuf Nurkic (ankle).

Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (heel) has been listed as questionable for Thursday's matchup against Milwaukee. Utah ruled Clarkson out for at least a week last Friday, but he came through a full practice session on Wednesday and appears to be ahead of schedule in his recovery. The veteran scorer has missed two games with a heel problem. Clarkson's return will likely push Collin Sexton back to the second unit. However, Sexton should still be impactful. Milwaukee is allowing the fourth-most three-point makes in the league, giving Clarkson a good opportunity to find some rhythm behind the arc. He's nailed only 19.2 percent of his triples so far.

Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (back) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. The veteran has missed Utah's previous three games because of back spasms, opening the door for Kyle Filipowski to enter the starting lineup. The rookie has been decent with the first five, averaging 7.0 points and 5.3 rebounds while shooting 37.5% from deep. However, that kind of production won't earn him a place in most fantasy lineups. Instead, John Collins, who is coming off a massive 28-point, 13-rebound, and five-assist showing from off the bench in Monday's win over the Bulls, should be the preferred fantasy option if Markkanen doesn't suit up.

Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (back) won't play on Monday night versus the Chicago Bulls. The 27-year-old was listed as questionable earlier in the day on Monday. However, his status changed to doubtful, so most already assumed he'd miss a third consecutive contest. Kyle Filipowski will likely remain with the first five, with the 20-year-old averaging a decent 7.0 points and 5.5 rebounds in two starts this season. John Collins should also continue to benefit from off the bench and remains in line to surpass his fantasy expectations.