Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen sits out against Spurs because of back spasms

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah forward Lauri Markkanen sat out the Jazz’s game Thursday night against the San Antonio Spurs because of lower back spasms.

Markkanen is averaging a team-high 18.0 points along with 7.3 rebounds through Utah’s first four games. He signed a contract extension with the Jazz in August for $238 million over five years.

The 7-foot forward played just 17 minutes Tuesday night in a 113-96 loss to Sacramento, finishing with seven points and three rebounds, before leaving due to back spasms. Markkanen practiced with the team Thursday, but showed no improvement in his condition.

“He came in this morning and did shootaround and he felt OK,” Jazz coach Will Hardy said. “We evaluated him this afternoon again and he’s not healthy enough to play.”

Rookie forward Kyle Filipowski started in place of Markkanen against San Antonio. The Jazz selected Filipowski with the 32nd overall pick in the 2024 draft. He’s averaging 4.0 points and 11.3 minutes this season.

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