Jazz say Markkanen has two fractures in right hand

The Utah Jazz said Wednesday that Lauri Markkanen has two nondisplaced fractures in his right hand and will be reevaluated in four weeks, leaving his return date undetermined. ESPN reporters Shams Charania and Tim MacMahon reported that he is expected to miss at least a month; the team’s update did not give a return date.

The Jazz said Markkanen sustained the fractures during their November 6 game against the Dallas Mavericks. He had missed the team’s next two games after the injury was initially reported as a right wrist sprain, according to accounts of his recent playing history.

Markkanen averaged 18 points, 6.8 rebounds and two assists through eight appearances this season, according to reported statistics. His absence removes a leading scorer from a Utah roster already dealing with other injuries. The team has also had Jusuf Nurkić and Jaren Jackson Jr. unavailable, while Keyonte George missed a game with an ankle sprain.

The injury has also renewed attention on speculation about a possible Golden State Warriors pursuit of Markkanen, but no trade offer or negotiations are established in the reporting. A November 2 account discussed possible trade constructions, including a...