Couple Jazz The frontcourt stars are undergoing MRIs after Monday’s loss to Memphis due to injuries John Kuhn of the Associated Press.
Forward Lauri Markkanen injured his right wrist about six minutes into the first quarter when he tried to run through a screen set by a teammate Jaren Jackson Jr and his hand got caught between Jackson and the front of the Grizzly Cameron Boozer (Link to video on Twitter). After the game, he headed to the locker room and did not return.
Shortly after, at the 10:17 mark of the second quarter, Jackson suffered his own injury when the Grizzlies guard You, Jerome fell to his right knee after driving into the net and was fouled All Mihailyuks (Link to video on Twitter). Jackson managed to stay in the game at the next offensive line, but was subsequently ejected and ruled out for the night.
Head coach Will Hardy there was no update on either player after the game, told reporters “We’ll know more tomorrow when they get the image.”
Losing either player for an extended period would be a problem for the Jazz, who are counting on Markkanen and Jackson to play important roles in the frontcourt after the center sign-and-trade Walker Kessler to the Lakers over the summer.
Utah already lacks up front to open the season with a new starting center Yusuf Nurkich on the side due to a toe injury. Also, a great person Jackson Hayeswho started the regular-season opener at the starting five and averaged 23.7 minutes in the team’s first three games, sat out Monday with right shoulder soreness.
Mo Bamba is one of the candidates for an increased role in Utah’s frontcourt. On Monday, he played 29 minutes and scored 14 points on 7-of-8 shooting, along with seven rebounds and four blocks. The Jazz, who lost the game by five points, were +11 in their time on the floor.
