Nurkic Likely to Miss Jazz’s First Eight Games

Utah Jazz center Jusuf Nurkic will miss at least four weeks with a partial tear of the plantar plate in his right second toe, likely sidelining him for the preseason and at least the first eight regular-season games. He averaged 10.9 points and 10.4 rebounds last season and was expected to anchor Utah’s frontcourt after Walker Kessler’s departure. Jaxson Hayes and Mo Bamba are options to start at center, while the Jazz could use Jaren Jackson Jr. at the five and turn to younger players such as Kyle Filipowski. Smaller lineups could add flexibility but may leave Utah more vulnerable to physical play and rebounding.