Utah Jazz vs Phoenix Suns: preview and player stats

Markkanen is out for Tuesday's game versus the Heat with a right wrist sprain. The star forward is missing a second consecutive contest, and he faces a short turnaround to return ahead of Wednesday's tilt against the Magic. Josh Green figures to draw a second straight start, while Brice Sensabaugh and Josh Okogie should see a bump in playing time.

Jackson has been diagnosed with a torn MCL in his right knee and will be sidelined for 6-to-8 weeks, per Shams Charania of ESPN. Jackson sustained the injury early in Monday's loss to Memphis, and he's now expected to miss at least a month and a half of action. The star big man's absence creates a major void in the Utah lineup, one that is likely to be filled by a timeshare of Jaxson Hayes (shoulder), Kyle Filipowski and Mo Bamba. The Jazz could also shift Lauri Markkanen (wrist), when healthy, to the center spot at times, perhaps allowing Ace Bailey to spend more time at power forward.

George (ankle) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Heat. George sustained a right ankle sprain in Sunday's loss to Minnesota and will be sidelined for the front end of this back-to-back set. His next opportunity to play will come Wednesday against Orlando, and the 23-year-old's absence should open up additional minutes for guys like Isaiah Collier and Svi Mykhailiuk. Moreover, Darryn Peterson figures to take on additional on-ball duties.

Nurkic (toe) has begun participating in on-court activities as he continues recovering from a right foot injury sustained during an Oct. 4 preseason game against Denver. He will be re-evaluated in two weeks, the Jazz announced Friday. Nurkic is progressing in his recovery, but the two-week re-evaluation timeline indicates he remains some distance from returning to game action. His absence should continue to create opportunities in Utah's frontcourt, with Jaxson Hayes and Mo Bamba among the players positioned to benefit from additional playing time. Nurkic's next evaluation will provide a clearer picture of his potential return date.

Williams underwent surgery Thursday to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder and will miss an extended period of time, Shams Charania of ESPN reports. This is a tough blow for the center with training camp right around the corner. With his status for Opening Night in jeopardy, this will put a lot of eyes on Oso Ighodaro and Khaman Maluach, with the latter already drawing buzz during the Summer League. More clarity on Williams' timeline should be known in the coming weeks.