Jazz Update Lauri Markkanen's Status for Mavericks Matchup

The Utah Jazz are getting a key contributor back for Tuesday night’s affair versus the Dallas Mavericks, but also could be down their anchor on the defensive side. Lauri Markkanen will suit up after a one game hiatus, but Walker Kessler may have to sit this one out due to a non-covid illness. Also, starting guard Jordan Clarkson (questionable) has landed back on the injury report with a hand injury while Collin Sexton continues to miss time with a nagging hamstring injury.

The Mavericks could be entering the contest at full strength, with only forward Maxi Kleber (hamstring) listed as questionable.

Despite losing their last three games, the Jazz are still within striking distance of making the postseason. Currently, Utah is in a four-way tie for the No. 9 seed with the Los Angeles Lakers, Portland Trail Blazers, and Memphis Grizzlies. Although, if Utah does find a way to sneak in, it'll have to win some games in which it'll be an underdog.

Utah has the fourth most-difficult schedule the rest of the way, with its opponents winning games at a 52.9% clip. Also, 10 out of the last 18 games will be on the road, where Utah is 11-21 on the year.

With Utah’s depth being hit hard because of the trade involving Russell Westbrook, the Jazz may have to tighten up the rotation down the stretch. Post-All-Star break, head coach Will Hardy has been rotating up to 11 players per game, but Utah’s at a point where the starters need to log more minutes. 

How Hardy juggles the rotation will speak to where Utah's true heart lies in finishing the season. Will the Jazz jump in with both feet to increase their playoff probabilities, or are they more concerned about draft position moving forward?

Tip-off is at 6:30 pm MDT.

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