Lauri Markkanen will be re-evaluated in two weeks after an MRI on Thursday showed symptomatic hip impingement with associated inflammation and bone bruise, sources told ESPN. Markkanen also twisted an ankle in practice Wednesday, but those tests returned clean, sources said.
Cam Spencer Props The 11.6 points Spencer has scored per game this season is 4.9 fewer than his prop total set for Friday (16.5). He has averaged 0.8 fewer rebounds per game (2.7) than his prop bet total in Friday's game (3.5). Spencer has averaged 5.6 assists per game this season, 2.9 less than his prop bet on Friday (8.5). Spencer has averaged 2.2 made three-pointers per game, 0.3 less than his over/under in Friday's game (2.5).
The Jazz envision Jackson forming a long-term frontcourt partnership with top scorer Lauri Markkanen that promises to create size and length mismatches against many opponents. Jackson, who earned NBA Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2023, embraces the idea of playing a pivotal role in helping Utah finally make the transition from lottery team to future playoff contender.
Hats off to Markkanen for making the most of his situation in Utah. He was a key piece in the Donovan Mitchell trade to Cleveland back in the 2022 offseason, and the Finnish sharpshooter surprised everyone by stepping into the role of Utah's franchise player right away. Markkanen would, of course, be awarded the Most Improved Player award and earn an All-Star selection during his breakout in 2023. That season, he averaged nearly 26 points on 49.9% shooting from the field, 39.1% from three, and also grabbed 8.6 rebounds.
