Utah Jazz

Dallas Mavericks forward Lauri Markkanen (eye) has been upgraded to active for Saturday night's matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. Markkanen has an eye contusion but will be able to play through it. The 27-year-old has been producing below his norms this season, shooting just 39.8% from the floor compared to his career average of 45.8%. He's been very solid from beyond the arc, though, as he's shooting 41.9% from three. The Kings give up over 41 three point attempts per game, giving Markkanen extra potential to go off from deep tonight. Fantasy managers in all formats need to ensure Markkanen is in their lineups before tipoff.

Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (hip) remains out for Saturday's contest against the Sacramento Kings. The 23-year-old has averaged only 9.2 points this season, which isn't surprising. However, category managers have at least appreciated his career-high 10.7 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per contest. Hopefully, Kessler's absence won't extend beyond three games. But in the meantime, the red-hot John Collins, averaging 18.1 points during the 2024-25 campaign, is a must-start, especially if Lauri Markkanen (eye), who is questionable, doesn't get on the floor.

Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (eye) is questionable for Saturday's showdown with the Sacramento Kings. The veteran hasn't met expectations during the 2024-25 campaign, averaging 16.3 points, considerably less than last season. He's also already missed three games, so another absence would be frustrating for fantasy managers. With that in mind, if the eye contusion keeps Markkanen out of the lineup, Cody Williams will likely take his spot. However, the 19-year-old has averaged only 4.6 points in seven starts this season, so he's not a trustworthy fantasy performer. Instead, Markkanen's absence should allow guys like Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson, Keyonte George, and John Collins see a bump in fantasy production.

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).