Lauri Markkanen Dominates with 47 Points, Eyes Strong Comeback Season After Injury-Plagued Year

Lauri Markkanen delivered a stellar performance, logging 47 points (15-33 FG, 6-17 3Pt, 11-13 FT), seven rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocks in 46 minutes during Sunday's 150-147 double-overtime victory over the Bulls. This comes after a 2023-24 season where injuries, including a right shoulder issue that sidelined him for 17 of Utah's final 21 games and the Olympic Qualifying Tournament, caused a slight step back from his career-high 2022-23 campaign. Markkanen, who signed a five-year, $238 million extension this offseason and cannot be traded in 2024-25, is expected to be 100 percent for training camp. In 2022-23, he was a feel-good story, ending as the 23rd-ranked player in standard formats and winning Most Improved Player with career-highs of 25.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 3.0 three-pointers on 49.9% FG and 87.5% FT. While his 26th-place fantasy finish that year looks like an outlier, his elite three-point shot and efficient offense make him a strong fantasy option when healthy. Despite new talent on the Jazz, he is expected to remain the number one option.