West Notes: Jazz, Lauri Markkanen, Nuggets, Peyton Watson, Grizzlies

Jazz

The Jazz may be closing the book on Lauri Markkanen’s season.

Markkanen has already missed more than three weeks with a right hip impingement. The team said Thursday it will be at least two more weeks before he’s reevaluated, which pushes any realistic return into April. Even in a best-case scenario, there wouldn’t be much runway left.

There is, however, a little intrigue with Keyonte George.

George has been out since March 11 with a hamstring strain and was also set for a two-week reevaluation window. But there’s a potential incentive to get back on the court.

Per Sarah Todd of the Deseret News, George could remain eligible for Most Improved Player consideration if he returns soon and finishes the season without another absence.

Nuggets

The Nuggets got a piece back. It looked familiar.

Peyton Watson returned Sunday and finished with 14 points, six rebounds and three assists in 20 minutes. More than the stat line, it was how Denver used him.

The Nuggets leaned into a smaller lineup, something that worked pretty well during the 2023 title run.

Watson’s presence adds defensive flexibility, particularly around the rim.

“One thing (Watson) brings to the table, too, is like an extra rim protector, which is really important,” Cameron Johnson said. “And he does it time and time again.”

Grizzlies

The Grizzlies have signed Tyler Burton and DeJon Jarreau to second 10-day contracts, the team announced.

Burton, 26, has appeared in six games since joining the team earlier this month, averaging 8.8 points and 4.3 rebounds in 25.3 minutes off the bench. He went undrafted out of Villanova in 2024 and has spent most of the season with the Memphis Hustle.

Jarreau, 28, has also carved out a rotation role, averaging 6.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.8 assists in five games. He previously saw limited NBA action with Memphis and Indiana.

This is largely about necessity. The Grizzlies have 10 players on the injury report heading into their game at Atlanta, easily qualifying for a hardship exception. That allows them to temporarily exceed the standard 15-man roster.

Both Burton and Jarreau can appear in up to six more games on these deals, which run through April 1. After that, Memphis would need to sign them for the remainder of the season to keep them around.