The Utah Jazz confirmed a significant setback Wednesday, November 11: forward Lauri Markkanen has two nondisplaced fractures in his right hand and will be re-evaluated in four weeks. The injury occurred during Utah’s November 6 loss to the Dallas Mavericks, but the fracture diagnosis and four-week re-evaluation plan were disclosed Wednesday. That distinction matters. A checkup in four weeks is not the same as clearance to play, and the team has not announced a firm return date.
Markkanen was still productive in that Dallas game, scoring 24 points and making eight three-pointers while grabbing eight rebounds. Through eight appearances this season, he is averaging 18.0 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists. The 29-year-old former All-Star is a major source of Utah’s outside shooting and floor spacing, so his absence removes an important option from an offense already trying to find consistency.
The Jazz entered Wednesday at 1-10 and have been dealing with other frontcourt injuries, including absences for Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jusuf Nurkić. Young players such as Darryn Peterson and Ace Bailey could face greater offensive responsibility while coach Will Hardy adjusts his rotation. The most important next update will be Markkanen’s medical progress, not a speculative comeback date. For now, Utah must prepare to play for several weeks without one of its most established scorers.