Jazz C Jaren Jackson Jr. has torn MCL, out at least 6 weeks; Lauri Markkanen day-to-day with wrist sprain

Utah Jazz center Jaren Jackson Jr. has a torn MCL in his right knee and will miss at least six weeks.

The Jazz announced Jackson's diagnosis Tuesday after he sustained the injury Monday night in a 110-105 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies . Jackson isn't expected to undergo surgery.

Former All-Star Lauri Markkanen also left Monday's game with a wrist injury. The Jazz announced Tuesday that he has a sprained right wrist and is considered day-to-day.

A two-time All-Star and former Defensive Player of the Year, Jackson is a centerpiece of a revamped Jazz roster that hopes to compete for a playoff spot this season after four straight years of missing the postseason.

The Jazz acquired Jackson from the Grizzlies at last season's trade deadline, signaling their intent to return to competitiveness this season amid a 22-60 campaign that secured the No. 2 pick in the draft and the rights to select Darryn Peterson.

Jackson had surgery on his right knee shortly after joining the Jazz to remove a non-cancerous pigmented villonodular synovitis growth in his left knee. He played just three games in his first season with the Jazz and will now be sidelined for a significant portion of the season.

Jackson's injury occurred when Memphis guard Ty Jerome fell into his right leg after driving to the basket. Jackson's knee buckled, and he fell to the court in pain.

Jackson was able to stand and walk off the court with the help of teammates, but the Jazz ruled him out before the game was over.

The injuries to Jackson and Markkanen compound an already disappointing start to Utah's season. Tuesday's loss dropped the Jazz to 1-3. They're scheduled to face the reigning Western Conference champion Spurs in two of their next three games with a matchup against the 2-0 Trail Blazers in between. Markkanen's status for those games is unclear.

When healthy, the Jazz feature a promising core of Jackson, Markkanen, Peterson, standout point guard Keyonte George and Ace Bailey, the No. 5 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Jaxson Hayes and Mo Bamba project to take on the bulk of Jackson's minutes at center, while Bailey and Peterson could see more opportunities in Utah's offense while Jackson and Markkanen are out.