Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen is expected to play Tuesday when the team hosts the Los Angeles Clippers, one day after completing a full practice, according to Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune.
The 7-foot Finn missed the past seven games while recovering from an illness. Through 33 appearances this season, Markkanen is averaging a career-best 27.9 points along with 7.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.0 steal in 36.0 minutes per contest, shooting .483 from the field, .365 from beyond the arc and .884 at the free-throw line.
Multiple clubs have reportedly expressed interest in acquiring Markkanen, but he is not expected to be dealt before the trade deadline.
Utah is 14-19 when Markkanen plays and 1-12 without him, giving the team an overall 15-31 record—currently the sixth-worst mark in the NBA. The club’s position in the reverse standings is significant because its 2026 first-round pick will convey to Oklahoma City if it falls outside the top eight.
Source: Hoops Rumors
