Jazz's Walker Kessler: Returns with big double-double
Rotowire
Kessler finished with 15 points (6-15 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 2-2 FT) and 19 rebounds across 31 minutes during Sunday's 128-102 loss to the Timberwolves.
After curiously being unused in Friday's game against Toronto, Kessler made an immediate impact on the glass in his return Sunday while posting his 27th double-double of the season. The 2022 first-rounder should remain an elite source of swats and boards along with a high field-goal percentage for fantasy managers in category-based settings down the stretch, although it's unknown how much the rebuilding Jazz may opt to limit Kessler in the final month of the regular season. Kessler has averaged 12.9 points, 15.6 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in 30.7 minutes while shooting 68.5 percent from the field across his last nine contests.
... See More... See Less
Jazz's Walker Kessler: Starting Sunday vs. Minnesota
Rotowire
Kessler is in the Jazz's starting five against the Timberwolves on Sunday.
Despite not being on the injury report, Kessler was a healthy scratch for Friday's loss to the Raptors, but he'll reenter the starting five in place of Kyle Filipowski. Kessler has averaged 12.9 points, 14.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.8 blocks over 32.4 minutes per game since the beginning of February.
... See More... See Less
Jazz's Walker Kessler: Sits out Friday
Rotowire
Kessler (coach's decision) went unused off the bench in Friday's 126-118 loss to the Raptors.
Though the Jazz made Kessler active for the contest, the third-year center unexpectedly ceded his spot in the top unit to Kyle Filipowski after starting in each of his first 50 appearances of the season. Utah ended up choosing to hold Kessler out for the game, and head coach Will Hardy also limited playing time for other key regulars such as Lauri Markkanen (19 minutes) and Collin Sexton (20 minutes). At this point in the season, the 15-52 Jazz have shown no hesitation about putting non-competitive lineups on the floor as they look to improve their odds in the draft lottery, so Kessler could be subject to more absences over the next month even though he's ostensibly healthy.
Kessler closed Friday's 118-109 loss to the Raptors with 18 points (8-11 FG, 2-7 FT), 25 rebounds and eight blocks over 33 minutes.
Kessler became only the sixth player in NBA history to record at least 15 points, 25 rebounds and eight blocks in a single game, joining Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Elvin Hayes, Hakeem Olajuwon, Shaquille O'Neal and Dikembe Mutombo in a prestigious list. That doesn't mean Kessler will have a career like theirs, but his impact whenever he's been healthy and available has been massive for this rebuilding Jazz team. Kessler reached the 18-point mark for the seventh time this season, but the 25 boards and eight blocks were career-high marks for him.
... See More... See Less
Jazz's Walker Kessler: Set to play against Toronto
Rotowire
Kessler (rest) isn't on the injury report for Friday's game versus the Raptors.
Kessler will return to action Friday after sitting out Utah's previous contest for rest purposes. The 23-year-old center should reclaim his starting spot from Kyle Filipowski. Kessler is averaging 13.5 points, 14.4 rebounds, 2.2 blocks and 2.1 assists in 32.8 minutes across his last 10 outings.
... See More... See Less
Jazz's Walker Kessler: Won't play against Washington
Rotowire
Kessler (rest) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Wizards, Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.
After coming one rebound shy of a double-double in Monday's loss to the Pistons, Kessler will not be available for Wednesday's game in Washington. The Jazz will likely turn to Kyle Filipowski to shoulder the load in the frontcourt.
... See More... See Less
Jazz's Walker Kessler: Game-winning dunk Friday
Rotowire
Kessler supplied nine points (4-7 FG, 1-2 FT), 12 rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal across 26 minutes during Friday's 117-116 victory over Minnesota.
Kessler wasn't able to record a second-straight double-double Friday, but his final field goal was the go-ahead dunk that ended up being the winning basket for the Jazz. Most of Kessler's fantasy value comes in rebounding and blocks, but the 2022 first-round pick has had solid scoring games despite a low amount of field-goal attempts, as evidenced by his 25-point performance against the Kings on Wednesday when he converted all 10 of his field-goal attempts. Over his last 10 outings, Kessler has averaged 12.2 points on 71.6 percent shooting, 14.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 2.0 blocks and 1.0 steals over 33.3 minutes per game.
... See More... See Less
Jazz's Walker Kessler: Available to play
Rotowire
Kessler (illness) has been upgraded to available for Wednesday's game against the Kings.
Kessler, who was originally questionable, will be returning from a one-game absence. With John Collins (back) and Lauri Markkanen (back) both sidelined, Kessler could see a healthy workload.
... See More... See Less
Jazz's Walker Kessler: Questionable to play Wednesday
Rotowire
Kessler (illness) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against the Kings, Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.
Kessler was unable to play in Monday's loss to the Trail Blazers due to an illness, but the third-year center has a chance to return Wednesday. The 2022 first-round pick has averaged 11.9 points, 15.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 2.5 blocks over 34.1 minutes per game while shooting 72.4 percent from the field since the beginning of February.
... See More... See Less
Jazz's Walker Kessler: Pulls down 19 boards in loss
Rotowire
Kessler (thumb) tallied four points (2-4 FG, 0-2 FT), 19 rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block across 32 minutes in Friday's 130-107 loss to the Thunder.
Kessler was held out for the Jazz's final game of the first half on Feb. 13 versus the Clippers due to a left thumb sprain, but his absence was likely more of a maintenance day in the second leg of a back-to-back set. As expected, the third-year center was back in action after the All-Star break. Though he didn't come close to matching the 15.8 points he averaged over his previous four appearances, he made his presence felt on the boards and contributed in both defensive categories. The Jazz will wrap up another back-to-back set Saturday versus the Rockets, and fantasy managers will want to keep close tabs on his status leading up to the 9:30 p.m. ET tipoff, as Kessler could be a candidate to rest once again.
... See More... See Less
Jazz's Walker Kessler: Available Friday
Rotowire
Kessler (thumb) is not on the injury report for Friday's game against Thunder.
Kessler sat the Jazz's final game before the break, but he's recovered and should handle his regular workload in this one. The big man has been productive in recent weeks, averaging 15.8 points and 15.0 rebounds per contest over his last four outings.
... See More... See Less
Jazz's Walker Kessler: Won't go Thursday
Rotowire
Kessler has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Clippers due to a left thumb sprain.
Kessler was a late addition to the injury report due to the thumb injury, and his next chance to play will come Feb. 21 against the Thunder. With the big man sidelined, Kyle Filipowski and Micah Potter are candidates for an uptick in playing time.
... See More... See Less
Jazz's Walker Kessler: Not on injury report for Monday
Rotowire
Kessler (shoulder) is off Utah's injury report for Monday's game against the Lakers.
Kessler will return to action after missing Saturday's loss to the Clippers due to a left shoulder contusion. The big man has averaged 10.6 points, 15.2 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, 1.8 assists and 1.0 steals across 33.6 minutes per game in his last five outings.
... See More... See Less
Jazz's Walker Kessler: Sidelined with shoulder injury
Rotowire
Kessler (shoulder) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Clippers.
Kessler is not playing Saturday due to a left shoulder contusion, which he likely picked up during Friday's overtime loss to the Suns. Rookie second-round pick Kyle Filipowski will likely be inserted into the Jazz's starting five due to Kessler's injury. Kessler's next opportunity to play will be Monday against the Lakers.
... See More... See Less
Jazz's Walker Kessler: Hauls in career-high 22 rebounds
Rotowire
Kessler provided 19 points (9-17 FG, 1-1 FT), 22 rebounds, four assists, three blocks and one steal over 38 minutes during Friday's 135-127 overtime loss to the Suns.
Kessler pulled down a career-high 22 rebounds, continuing his recent domination on the glass. Over the past four games, he is averaging 12.8 points, 17.0 rebounds and 2.5 blocks in 35.1 minutes per game. Although the threat of missed games remains front and center, Kessler should continue to play heavy minutes for a Utah team that has shown promise of late, delivering four straight competitive performances.
... See More... See Less
Jazz's Walker Kessler: Grabs 15 boards against Orlando
Rotowire
Kessler provided eight points (3-3 FG, 2-4 FT), 15 rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal in 33 minutes during Saturday's 113-99 win over the Magic.
Kessler led both teams in rebounding Saturday, grabbing 15 boards for the ninth time this season (and fifth time since the beginning of January). Kessler has failed to score in double digits over his last two games. Still, the third-year center continues to provide plenty of value on the boards and defense. Since and including Jan. 1, he's averaged 12.0 points, 12.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.4 blocks over 29.8 minutes per game.
... See More... See Less
Jazz's Walker Kessler: Nabs double-double in loss
Rotowire
Kessler supplied 17 points (8-10 FG, 1-4 FT), 15 rebounds, two blocks and one assist across 31 minutes during Wednesday's 123-114 loss to Oklahoma City.
Kessler posted his 18th double-double of the season in an extremely efficient performance from the field, albeit in a losing effort. The big man also recorded multiple blocks for the 25th time through 34 regular-season appearances, and he is on pace to tie his career high of 2.4 swats per game. Over his last five outings, Kessler has averaged 14.4 points, 12.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks while shooting 78.0 percent from the field in 30.6 minutes per contest.
... See More... See Less
Jazz's Walker Kessler: Double-doubles in loss
Rotowire
Kessler totaled 19 points (8-10 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 3-4 FT), 13 rebounds, two assists and one block across 34 minutes during Monday's 123-119 overtime loss to New Orleans.
Kessler recorded his 17th double-double of the season. He's been the second most valuable fantasy producer in nine-category formats for the Jazz, posting averages of 11.1 points, 11.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 2.5 blocks in 29.8 minutes per contest.
... See More... See Less
Jazz's Walker Kessler: Available vs. New Orleans
Rotowire
Kessler (rest) is available for Monday's game against the Pelicans, Ben Anderson of KSL News Salt Lake City reports.
Kessler received rest in Friday's loss to the Pelicans, but he'll be available for Monday's rematch. His return will give the Jazz a much-needed boost on both ends of the court, and it'll likely push Drew Eubanks back to the bench.
... See More... See Less
Jazz's Walker Kessler: Remains out Friday
Rotowire
Kessler (rest) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Pelicans, Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.
After returning to the floor for Wednesday's loss against the Hornets, Kessler will rest Friday against the Pelicans. Drew Eubanks could be in line to start in place of the talented big man for Utah.
