Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. both exited early due to injuries during Monday, October 26, 2026, when the Utah Jazz faced the Memphis Grizzlies. The injuries to the two players occurred during the first half, leaving the Jazz to play much of the contest without two of their top three scorers.
Markkanen exits with wrist injury
The injury to Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen occurred with 5:58 remaining in the first quarter on Monday, October 26, 2026. Markkanen's right hand became jammed between Cameron Boozer and Jaren Jackson Jr., causing him to seek medical attention in the locker room. Per an update from the Utah Jazz, Markkanen did not return to the game due to a right wrist injury.
Prior to his exit, Markkanen contributed two points during his six minutes of play. Following his departure, Markkanen was replaced by Josh Okogie, while Kyle Filipowski also entered the game as the roster shifted due to the injury.
Jackson sidelined by knee issue
Memphis Grizzlies center Jaren Jackson Jr. also exited the game during the first half. With 10:04 remaining in the second quarter on Monday, October 26, 2026, Jackson was replaced by Mo Bamba. The Utah Jazz confirmed that Jackson would not return to the game due to a right knee issue.
No specific details were provided regarding how or when the knee injury occurred. Before exiting the contest, Jackson had recorded six points, three rebounds, and two assists in 10 minutes of play.
Jazz roster facing multiple absences
The loss of Markkanen and Jackson left the Jazz shorthanded, especially as center Jaxson Hayes did not suit up for the game. According to an injury report from the Utah Jazz dated October 26, 2026, Hayes was listed as out due to right shoulder soreness. Other players listed as out for the Jazz included Trey Alexander, Kobe Bufkin, and Harrison Ingram, all of whom were in the G League on two-way contracts. Additionally, Jusuf Nurkic was listed as out due to a second plantar plate tear in his right foot.
The absences of Markkanen and Jackson meant that Kyle Filipowski and Mo Bamba would serve as the primary beneficiaries for the Jazz lineup. Bamba, making his season debut, contributed 14 points and seven rebounds in the contest.
Grizzlies secure victory
The Memphis Grizzlies secured a 110-105 victory over the Jazz, marking their second win in four games over Utah. Cedric Coward led the Grizzlies with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Other notable contributors for Memphis included Jaylen Wells, who scored 14 points, and Cameron Boozer and Jerami Grant, who each added 13 points.
Ty Jerome, who entered the game leading the NBA in scoring, was held to 15 points on 4-of-15 shooting, though he provided eight assists. The Grizzlies held a 16-point lead late in the third quarter, reaching 87-71 following three consecutive three-pointers from Quinten Post, Cam Spencer, and Coward.
Jazz late rally falls short
The Utah Jazz attempted a late comeback, utilizing a 15-3 run to narrow the deficit to a single possession in the fourth quarter. Keyonte George led the Jazz with 26 points, while Ace Bailey contributed 17 points and 10 rebounds. Darryn Peterson added 14 points in the effort.
The Jazz narrowed the gap to one point via a dunk from Mo Bamba with 1:01 remaining in the game. However, back-to-back baskets by Jerome prevented the Jazz from taking the lead. Memphis ultimately secured the win through free throws from Wells and Jerome in the final minute.
Upcoming schedules
Following the Monday, October 26, 2026, game, the Memphis Grizzlies were scheduled to play at Portland on Thursday night. The Utah Jazz were scheduled to host San Antonio on Wednesday night.
Game highlights
Key points from the matchup:
Lauri Markkanen exited Monday's game with a right wrist injury after being jammed by Cameron Boozer and Jaren Jackson Jr.
Jaren Jackson Jr. was unable to return to the game due to a right knee injury in the second quarter.
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Utah Jazz 110-105.
Jaxson Hayes was listed as out for the Jazz due to right shoulder soreness.
Keyonte George led the Jazz in scoring with 26 points.
