Utah Jazz vs Los Angeles Lakers: preview and player stats (Nov 23, 2026)

Markkanen has been diagnosed with a non-displaced fracture in his right hand and will be sidelined for at least one month, Shams Charania of ESPN reports. Markkanen has missed two straight games due to what was being described as a right wrist sprain, but it appears the issue was much worse than initially thought. The talented big man now joins Jusuf Nurkic (foot) and Jaren Jackson (knee) on Utah's long-term injury list, while Keyonte George's status moving forward is unclear while dealing with an ankle sprain. Given all of the injuries, Ace Bailey and Darryn Peterson will have to lead the offense, while Isaiah Collier, Brice Sensabaugh, Svi Mykhailiuk, Josh Okogie and Josh Green are candidates for increased roles.

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.

Hayes won't return to Friday's game against the Rockets due to a left knee issue. Hayes will end up missing the entire second half. He was playing well prior to the injury, finishing with 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting with five rebounds and one assist in 13 minutes. Mo Bamba could be in line for more run with this news.

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.

Alexander won't play Wednesday against the Grizzlies due to a left knee bone bruise. Alexander sat out Friday's preseason finale with what the team initially described as a left knee injury, but we now know he's dealing with a bone bruise. Don't be surprised if Alexander misses Friday's game against the Pelicans as well.

Reaves (heel) didn't participate in Saturday's practice, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports. Reaves sustained a bruised left heel in Wednesday's win over Milwaukee and is considered day-to-day, though this update is not encouraging ahead of Sunday's game against Phoenix. If the 28-year-old guard is unable to suit up, Ziaire Williams, Quentin Grimes (finger) and Collin Sexton (head) would be candidates for increased playing time.

Grimes (finger) said he expects to return to action Sunday against the Suns, according to Ricardo Sandoval of Lakers on SI. Grimes has missed the Lakers' last two games, but it sounds as if he could return to the rotation Sunday. It's unclear whether he'd be a starter, but he'd have a chance if Austin Reaves (heel) isn't cleared. Grimes is averaging 8.0 points per game this season, but that number rises to 17.5 points per game in his two starts.

Sexton (head) was a full participant in Saturday's practice, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports. Sexton left Wednesday's game against Milwaukee early after bumping heads with Ryan Rollins and required stitches to close a cut on his forehead. However, Sexton escaped the incident without a concussion, and his ability to practice without restraint is a positive sign for his availability Sunday against the Suns.