Nurkic will begin the 2026-27 season on the sidelines, and given the tricky nature of foot injuries for big men, it wouldn't be shocking to see his absence extend beyond this initial four-week window. Jaren Jackson will likely spend more time at center while Nurkic is out, and there will be more minutes available for Jaxson Hayes and Mo Bamba. What his absence changes
Hinson is managing a left adductor injury that'll keep him sidelined Monday. The forward appeared in Utah's first two preseason games, and his next chance to suit up will come Friday against Phoenix.
Filipowski tweaked his back while lifting in the 2025-26 offseason, which caused painful sciatica down his leg throughout the campaign and limited his explosiveness. This offseason, he underwent surgery to fix the herniated disc in his back that was causing the pain, and he's still rehabbing. With Jusuf Nurkic (foot) slated to miss Opening Night, Filipowski's availability moving forward will be one to monitor closely.
