Utah Jazz leading scorer Lauri Markkanen won't play Thursday night against the Los Angeles Lakers due to a right groin strain.

Keyonte George led the way for the Jazz in Monday’s victory as he ended the game with 37 points, five rebounds and six assists while Lauri Markkanen recorded 33 points, 16 rebounds and five assists. While both teams are looking to pick up a victory in Thursday night’s matchup, both squads may be without multiple key players due to injuries.

Perimeter defense was a major concern for the Lakers in their playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves last year, with James and Rui Hachimura finding themselves unable to pick up the predictable slack left by Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic on that end of the floor.

The Utah Jazz will have to shake up their rotation a bit vs. the Los Angeles Lakers with Lauri Markkanen out due to injury.

The Utah Jazz are looking to make it three wins in a row on Thursday when they face LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers in a home game at Delta Center. The Jazz, however, are potentially going to be without star forward Lauri Markkanen, who is currently dealing with a groin issue.

Luka Doncic sent a clear message regarding his current form for the Lakers this season, which will create fear for opposing units.

Luka Dončić has been dominant for the Los Angeles Lakers this season, but he doesn't feel like he is playing the best basketball of his career.

Watch Clippers vs. Lakers on Dec. 20 with TV channel, streaming options, and game info as LeBron James and LA face struggling rivals.

The Lakers acquired Doncic in a three-team trade in February that sent Anthony Davis to Dallas, but Doncic failed to make the All-Star Game for the first time since his rookie year with the Mavericks.