Jazz F Lauri Markkanen day-to-day after final loss to Kings

Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen is day-to-day with lower back spasms that forced him to leave Utah’s 113-96 loss to the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night.

Markkanen logged 17 minutes against Sacramento before missing the entire second half as the Kings opened the game with a 14-2 run to end the third period.

“His back was pretty much locked,” Jazz coach Will Hardy told reporters. “He was getting treatment throughout halftime, and with about a minute left on the clock, he was still on the table, not really able to move. So it was my decision, and our medical team’s decision, to keep him out. “

Hardy said Markkanen would receive treatment Wednesday. The Jazz are off until Thursday when they face the San Antonio Spurs in Salt Lake City. Hardy will wait until then to decide if Markkanen is fit to play.

Markkanen finished with seven points, three rebounds and one assist.

In four games this season, Markkanen has averaged 18.0 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists as one of the few bright spots for a Jazz team that is 0-4 and has lost its last two home games combined 58 points.

Markkanen, 27, was an All-Star during the 2022-23 campaign.

The Associated Press and Field Level Media contributed to this report.