The Jazz forward is averaging 18.0 points and 6.8 rebounds this season and will be reevaluated in four weeks.
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen has been diagnosed with two nondisplaced fractures in his right hand, the team announced Wednesday.
Markkanen sustained the injury during Utah’s Nov. 6 game against the Dallas Mavericks. Following further evaluation, the Jazz confirmed the diagnosis and said he will be reevaluated in four weeks. The team did not provide a timetable for his return.
The 29-year-old forward is averaging 18.0 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists in eight games this season, shooting 39.7% from 3-point range. He scored 24 points and connected on eight 3-pointers in his most recent appearance against Dallas.
Markkanen has been a key part of Utah’s offense, providing perimeter shooting and floor spacing while also taking on minutes at center amid injuries to the team’s frontcourt. He averaged 26.7 points and 6.9 rebounds in 42 games last season.
His absence adds to the Jazz’s injury concerns, with Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jusuf Nurkić also sidelined. Utah has relied more heavily on its young players, including Darryn Peterson and Ace Bailey, as coach Will Hardy adjusts his rotation.