Jazz Extend Markkanen Recovery Window; Watson Returns for Nuggets; Grizzlies Issue Second 10-Day Deals
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The Utah Jazz, Denver Nuggets and Memphis Grizzlies all provided injury and roster updates on Thursday, revealing very different late-season situations.
Jazz
Utah announced that forward Lauri Markkanen will not be reevaluated for another two weeks as he continues to recover from a right hip impingement. The 26-year-old has been sidelined for more than three weeks, pushing any possible return into April and leaving limited time before the regular season ends.
Rookie guard Keyonte George remains out with a hamstring strain suffered on March 11. The Jazz originally set a similar two-week timetable for his reevaluation. According to the Deseret News, an early return could keep George eligible for Most Improved Player consideration if he finishes the schedule without further absences.
Nuggets
Denver welcomed Peyton Watson back to the rotation on Sunday. The second-year wing logged 20 minutes, recording 14 points, six rebounds and three assists while the Nuggets experimented with a smaller lineup reminiscent of their 2023 championship run. Teammate Cameron Johnson praised Watson’s defensive versatility, noting that his ability to act as “an extra rim protector” can be critical down the stretch.
Grizzlies
Memphis signed guard Tyler Burton and guard/forward DeJon Jarreau to second 10-day contracts. Burton, 26, has averaged 8.8 points and 4.3 rebounds in 25.3 minutes across six appearances since joining the club earlier this month. Jarreau, 28, is contributing 6.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.8 assists over five games.
The Grizzlies qualified for a hardship exception with 10 players on their injury report ahead of Friday’s contest in Atlanta, allowing the team to temporarily exceed the 15-man roster limit. Burton and Jarreau can each play in up to six more games before their contracts expire on April 1. A rest-of-season deal would be required to keep either player beyond that date.
Source: Hoops Wire
