Utah Jazz DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (hip) will sit out a fifth consecutive game on Tuesday versus the Lakers. He has missed a week of action with a hip problem, and it's not fully clear when Kessler will be able to make a comeback. His injury has allowed John Collins to put together a strong stretch, while Kyle Filipowski also benefits from his absence. The two are in a strong position to continue their recent success on Tuesday, as the Lakers are ranked 26th in defensive efficiency and 23rd in rebounding rate.

Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (hip) will remain on the shelf for Sunday's clash with the Clippers. He continues to nurse a hip problem. With him out, the stage is set for John Collins to go off for another big game. He's notched 24.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 2.7 steals since replacing Kessler in the starting unit. Rookie Kyle Filipowski has also stepped up recently and deserves attention from fantasy managers. He has averaged 13.7 points and 6.7 rebounds in the games Kessler has missed.

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.