Lauri Markkanen to Miss at Least a Month With Hand Fracture

Markkanen is expected to be out for a minimum of one month after sustaining a fracture in his right hand that has not shifted. A recovery of that length could keep him out until early or mid-December and cost him at least 12 regular-season games.

The fracture affects the same hand as a wrist strain he had been managing, but it is a separate injury. Markkanen first missed a game with the strain, then returned for four appearances before sitting out Utah’s last two matchups against Minnesota and Miami.

He has played eight games this season, averaging 18 points, 6.8 rebounds and two assists. He has made 38.9% of his field-goal attempts and 39.7% of his three-pointers.

Utah is also without Jaren Jackson Jr., who is recovering from an MCL tear. Keyonte George recently sustained an ankle sprain, while Jusuf Nurkic has yet to play this season as he recovers from a preseason foot injury. The absences leave the Jazz without several regular starters.

Utah has won once in 11 games and ranks among the league’s five lowest teams in both offensive and defensive rating. Darryn Peterson and Ace Bailey are expected to take on larger roles while Markkanen is sidelined.