Utah Jazz DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (back) is listed as questionable for Monday's contest against the Portland Trail Blazers. He has played through a lower back issue lately and even managed to complete a back-to-back set on Friday and Saturday. However, the questionable designation leaves Markkanen's status up in the air again. Walker Kessler (illness) is also questionable on the injury report. At the same time, Collin Sexton (ankle) and John Collins (back) remain out, so Isaiah Collier may be the only regular starter in the lineup against the Trail Blazers.

Utah Jazz forward/center John Collins (back) has been ruled out for Monday's meeting with the Portland Trail Blazers. He is troubled by back issues and will miss a second consecutive game. Kenyon Martin Jr. filled in for Collins in the starting lineup on Saturday against the Houston Rockets. He put in a decent performance against his former team, notching 11 points and four rebounds in a 125-114 victory. Brice Sensabaugh, Kyle Filipowski, and Cody Williams are also potential beneficiaries of Collins' absence. Another chunk of frontcourt minutes may open up on Monday, as Lauri Markkanen (back) and Walker Kessler (illness) are both listed as questionable for the game.

Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (ankle) will miss a ninth consecutive contest on Monday against the Portland Trail Blazers. Utah's spark plug injured his left ankle at the start of the month. On Saturday, the team announced that Sexton has resumed on-court activities and will be re-evaluated early next week. It's possible that Sexton will be ready to return to action on Wednesday when the Jazz host the Sacramento Kings. Utah will also be without Jordan Clarkson (foot) and John Collins (back) for Monday's game, giving Brice Sensabaugh and Kenyon Martin Jr. a chance to remain in the first unit.

Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (foot) will remain absent on Monday against the Portland Trail Blazers. The former Sixth Man of the Year is dealing with a foot injury and will be out for the third time in four games. Collin Sexton (ankle) is not ready to return either, meaning Isaiah Collier and Keyonte George should continue to receive a lot of work in the backcourt. George was moved to a bench role in late January, but he has continued to log 30-plus minutes regularly and ran the show with 30 points in Saturday's win against the Houston Rockets. Collier has notched five double-doubles in his past nine appearances as a starter.

Utah Jazz forward Kenyon Martin Jr. (conditioning) is listed as available for Friday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He has missed two months of action due to a stress reaction in his left foot. While with the Philadelphia 76ers at the start of the season, Martin Jr. averaged 6.4 points and 3.0 rebounds in 20.0 minutes. He may receive more playing opportunities on a rebuilding team like the Jazz. However, Martin Jr. might need time to shake off some rust, and the team could initially limit his workload following his long injury layoff.