Utah Jazz

Utah Jazz forward/center John Collins (back) is officially ruled out for Thursday's game against the Houston Rockets. Collins will miss his sixth consecutive game after back spasms started limiting his availability. Utah falling out of playoff contention led them to play it safe with Collins and other banged-up players sitting out. Brice Sensabaugh has benefited the most from Collins' absence, with averages of 13.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game in the previous five games. Luka Samanic, Taylor Hendricks, and Omer Yurtseven all have increased fantasy value with Collins and multiple other frontcourt players out on Thursday.

Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (back) is officially out for Thursday's game versus the Houston Rockets. This will be the eighth consecutive game missed by Clarkson thanks to a lingering back injury. Clarkson last played on March 25, but that was his only game played while missing 14 of 15 games. Talen Horton-Tucker has seen the biggest fantasy boost after playing 32 minutes in Utah's last game against the Denver Nuggets. The Jazz missing Clarkson, Collin Sexton, and Kris Dunn gives Tucker a strong usage rate against the Rockets in the backcourt. Keyonte George and Johnny Juzang both have higher ceilings, as well as the starting guards.

Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (nose) will miss his fourth consecutive game on Thursday versus the Houston Rockets. Kessler is dealing with a nose fracture, and Utah is playing it safe with injuries since they have no chance of making the playoffs. The Jazz will have a limited roster against Houston with Kessler and multiple other rotation pieces out. Omer Yurtseven has started in Kessler's place, and he's averaged 13.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.0 steals on 61% field goal shooting in those three games. Utah is running out the season, and unexpected players like Yurtseven benefit from improved fantasy value to end the season.

Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (illness) will miss Thursday's game against the Houston Rockets. Sexton is battling an illness that will force him to miss his second consecutive game after playing every game of the season beforehand. Utah is having a lackluster season limited by injuries, but Sexton was a rare bright spot. The Jazz have no reason to rush Sexton or other players back early, with the team having nothing left to play for. Johnny Juzang started in place of Sexton in the last game to boost his fantasy value. Talen Horton-Tucker and Jason Preston also have greater opportunities off the bench with more guard minutes open.

Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (shoulder) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Houston Rockets. Markkanen will miss his seventh consecutive game after aggravating a right shoulder impingement to continue the woes in an injury-limiting season. Utah's one-time All-Star has played in just 55 games this season. The Jazz revealed that Markkanen would be re-evaluated on a timetable that should be met in a few days, but it is unlikely he will play again with Utah out of contention. Forwards Brice Sensabaugh, Luka Samanic, Taylor Hendricks, and Darius Bazley receive more minutes with Markkanen and others out for boosted fantasy value.