Markkanen Averages 30 PPG Amid Resurgent Season

Lauri Markkanen is currently averaging 30 points per game, placing him among the league's top six scorers. This resurgence follows a period where fantasy managers had pushed him outside the top 50 in ESPN ADP due to missing numerous games and a dip in performance last season, where he averaged 19 PPG over 47 games with subpar shooting and rebounding. In contrast, his debut season for Utah saw him average 25.6 PPG and 8.6 RPG over 66 games, with strong 3-point shooting. Markkanen has significantly increased his aggression, now taking 21.5 field goal attempts per game (fourth in the league) and averaging 3.8 3-pointers. While his career-high 35.9 minutes per game raise health concerns given his history of never playing more than 68 games in a season, the 28-year-old is eager to play. The Utah Jazz's lack of scoring depth, exacerbated by starting center Walker Kessler's season-ending shoulder injury, further positions Markkanen as the primary offensive option, with Keyonte George effectively facilitating. Markkanen has already posted a 51-point game against the Phoenix Suns in the first week and has exceeded 40 points in two of his last three games. His high-volume scoring and shooting make him particularly valuable in points formats, though his rebound, assist, and block numbers remain modest. His continued high-level production could be impacted by health or a potential trade to a contender.