Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen will be sidelined for at least two weeks following a hip injury sustained during practice, according to reports on Thursday. The setback comes just before the Jazz’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans, posing a significant challenge for the team.
ESPN’s Shams Charania revealed that Markkanen underwent an MRI that showed symptomatic hip impingement, with accompanying inflammation and a bone bruise, necessitating a pause in his season. Additionally, Markkanen twisted his ankle in the same practice session, but tests on that injury came back negative.
Details on the Injury and Team Response
Jazz coach Will Hardy described the injury as resulting from an awkward landing on a drive to the basket. He said,
“It was an awkward landing going toward the basket,”
and added,
[He] tweaked his ankle, sort of jammed his hip, so he was pulled from practice, and he’s getting looked at now.”
Initial reports suggested the NBA would send a doctor to Salt Lake City to evaluate Markkanen, but that plan was later canceled, and no league physician traveled to review his condition.
Markkanen’s Impact on the Team’s Performance
Markkanen leads the Jazz in scoring with an average of 26.7 points per game, along with 6.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists, while shooting an efficient 47 percent from the field and 35 percent from beyond the arc. His absence has been closely linked with the team’s struggles; Utah’s record drops to 1-15 when he is not playing, compared to 17-25 when he takes the court.
The Jazz currently hold one of the NBA’s poorest records at 18-40, making Markkanen’s injury a significant blow to their playoff hopes. With their key scorer out, the team faces an uphill battle in the coming weeks as they try to improve their standing.
Looking Ahead: Recovery and Team Outlook
Markkanen is scheduled for re-evaluation after two weeks to assess his recovery progress from the hip impingement and related inflammation. The Jazz will need to adjust their lineup and strategies in his absence while hoping for a swift return to form for their All-Star forward. The period ahead will be crucial for Utah as they navigate a difficult stretch without one of their top performers.
Utah's 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 tell ESPN. Markkanen also twisted an ankle in practice Wednesday but those tests returned clean.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 27, 2026
