Jazz Cautiously Manage Markkanen's Minutes Before All-Star Break

Head coach Will Hardy reveals plan to limit star forward's playing time against Kings

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Utah Jazz are taking a cautious approach with star forward Lauri Markkanen as they head into the All-Star break. Head coach Will Hardy confirmed that Markkanen will play against the Sacramento Kings but under a strict minutes restriction, as the team looks to keep their franchise cornerstone healthy for the final stretch of the season.

Why it matters

Markkanen has been a breakout star for the Jazz this season, and the team wants to ensure he is fully recovered from his recent injury before ramping up his minutes. Maintaining Markkanen's health is crucial for Utah's playoff push.

The details

Hardy said the team will monitor how Markkanen's body responds to the game action against the Kings before determining his availability for the next day's back-to-back contest. The Jazz are finding production elsewhere, with new addition Jaren Jackson Jr. leading the scoring with 18 points as Utah jumps out to a big lead.

  • The Jazz are facing the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night.

The players

Will Hardy

The head coach of the Utah Jazz, who is carefully managing Lauri Markkanen's minutes in the game against the Kings.

Lauri Markkanen

The star forward for the Utah Jazz, who is returning from a recent injury and will have his playing time restricted by the team.

Jaren Jackson Jr.

A new addition to the Utah Jazz, who is leading the team in scoring with 18 points in the game against the Kings.

Keyonte George

The starting guard for the Utah Jazz, who is out of the game against the Kings due to a right ankle sprain.

Domantas Sabonis

The starting center for the Sacramento Kings, who is sidelined with an injury and not playing in the game against the Jazz.

Zach LaVine

The starting guard for the Sacramento Kings, who is sidelined with an injury and not playing in the game against the Jazz.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The Jazz are taking a cautious approach with Lauri Markkanen's return from injury, prioritizing his long-term health and availability for the team's playoff push. This careful management of their star player's minutes highlights the team's commitment to keeping their core healthy and competitive in the final stretch of the season.