Three Jazz Players Poised to Shine with Markkanen Out

Utah's young talent will get more opportunities to step up in Lauri Markkanen's absence.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Utah Jazz will be without their star player Lauri Markkanen for at least the next two weeks due to an ankle/hip injury sustained in practice. This opens the door for several young Jazz players to take on bigger roles and showcase their skills. Ace Bailey, Cody Williams, and Brice Sensabaugh are three names expected to step up in Markkanen's absence.

Why it matters

The Jazz are focused on developing their young talent this season, and Markkanen's injury provides a chance for these players to prove themselves and potentially earn more minutes and responsibilities going forward. This could impact the team's offseason plans as they evaluate which players to keep on the roster.

The details

Ace Bailey is expected to see a significant increase in offensive production, as his numbers jump to 16.1 points per game on 48.1% shooting when Markkanen is out. Cody Williams has been steadily improving and will likely see more playing time, showcasing his skills as a slasher and defender. Brice Sensabaugh has also thrived when Markkanen has been sidelined, averaging 18.3 points per game, and will have another opportunity to provide scoring punch off the bench or as a spot starter.

  • Lauri Markkanen will be re-evaluated in two weeks after an MRI on Thursday showed symptomatic hip impingement with associated inflammation and bone bruise.
  • Markkanen also twisted an ankle in practice on Wednesday, but those tests returned clean.

The players

Lauri Markkanen

The Utah Jazz's top star who will be sidelined for at least the next two weeks due to an ankle/hip injury sustained in a team practice.

Ace Bailey

A Utah Jazz guard who is expected to see a significant increase in offensive production and playing time with Markkanen out.

Cody Williams

A Utah Jazz forward who has been steadily improving and will likely see more playing time, showcasing his skills as a slasher and defender.

Brice Sensabaugh

A Utah Jazz forward who has thrived when Markkanen has been sidelined, averaging 18.3 points per game, and will have another opportunity to provide scoring punch off the bench or as a spot starter.

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What they’re saying

“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 (ESPN)

The takeaway

This injury to Lauri Markkanen opens the door for several young Jazz players to step up and showcase their skills. The team's focus on player development this season means these upcoming games will be crucial for evaluating which players they want to keep on the roster going forward.