NBA Insider Chris Haynes reports Walker Kessler (shoulder) will miss the rest of the 2025-26 season.

Kessler is set to undergo season-ending surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder. This is a massive blow for the Jazz, who have started the season out better than expected, but it’s also unfortunate for Kessler since he didn’t get an extension this summer. Jusuf Nurkic has been starting in place of Kessler, but it wouldn’t be surprising if they turned to Kyle Filipowski as a long-term replacement, assuming they don’t explore the trade market.

Walker Kessler (shoulder) has returned to Salt Lake City to undergo further testing on his left shoulder.

Kessler, who missed time during the preseason with left shoulder bursitis, experienced a flare-up and was already ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Hornets. With the Jazz sending him back to Salt Lake City for further testing, the 7-footer will miss at least three more games. Utah’s road trip ends in Minnesota on Friday. Jusuf Nurkić will start Sunday’s game against the Hornets and will likely retain that role for the remaining three games of the road trip.

Walker Kessler (shoulder) has returned to Salt Lake City to receive further testing on his left shoulder.

Kessler, who missed time during the preseason with left shoulder bursitis, experienced a flare-up and was already ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Hornets. With the Jazz sending him back to Salt Lake City for further testing, the 7-footer will miss at least three more games. Utah’s road trip ends in Minnesota on Friday. Jusuf Nurkić will start Sunday’s game against the Hornets and will likely retain that role for the remaining three games of the road trip.

Walker Kessler (shoulder) is out for Sunday’s game against the Hornets.

Kessler is once again dealing with left shoulder bursitis, which sidelined him for a portion of the preseason. Jusuf Nurkić is a prime candidate to replace him in the starting lineup, but the veteran center’s streaming value will be limited with Lauri Markkanen on the court.

Walker Kessler tallied four points (2-of-5 FGs), 13 rebounds, one assist and one steal in Friday’s loss to the Suns.

While Kessler did his usual work on the glass Friday night, his offensive production was underwhelming. He’s had two offensive duds, the first being a three-point effort against the Kings on October 24. The good news is that Kessler scored 18 or more in his other three outings, taking tangible steps forward on that end of the floor. He didn’t get the contract extension he wanted before the season began, but things could get expensive for the Jazz next summer if Kessler can build on his first five games.

Walekr Kessler accumulated 18 points (7-of-12 FGs, 1-of-3 FTs), 12 rebounds, four assists, one steal, one block and three three-pointers in Wednesday’s loss to the Trail Blazers.

Is Kessler going through a Brook Lopez-like transformation right before our eyes? Probably not, but the increased confidence in his perimeter shot has been great to see. On Wednesday, Kessler shot 3-of-4 from beyond the arc and is 6-of-8 on the season. In 2024-25, he shot 6-of-34 from deep and entered this season 11-of-56. Add in the points, rebounds, defensive stats and improved assists, and Kessler has been a top-15 player in nine-cat formats thus far. Will he remain there? Who knows. However, with the improved perimeter shot, his ceiling may be higher than many fantasy managers imagined.

Walker Kessler recorded a double-double on Monday with 25 points (9-of-12 FGs), 11 rebounds, four assists, four blocks and one three-pointer against the Suns.

After a quiet performance in the Jazz’s loss to the Kings on Friday, Kessler bounced back with a monster night. Through three games, he is now averaging 16.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.7 steals, 2.7 blocks and 1.0 triple per game while shooting 85 percent from the floor and 76.5 percent from the line. Rebounds aside, those would all be career highs. Will this level of production continue? No, but it’s been an amazing start for him.

Walker Kessler had 22 points (7-of-7 FGs, 6-of-8 FTs), nine rebounds, four assists, two steals and four blocks against the Clippers on Wednesday.

Kessler was incredibly efficient Wednesday. He was 7-of-7 from the floor, made 6-of-8 free throws and had four assists to just one turnover. The 24-year-old center averaged just 1.7 assists per game last year, but it looks like he could average over double that amount this year if the season opener was any indication.

Walker Kessler finished Thursday’s exhibition against the Trail Blazers with 14 points (6-of-9 FGs, 1-of-2 FTs), 10 rebounds, eight assists, two steals, two blocks and one three-pointer.

Limited by a left shoulder injury, Kessler saw his first action of the preseason on Thursday. And there were few, if any, signs of rust. More of the offense ran through the 7-footer, resulting in Kessler recording eight assists. The lack of turnovers was just as impressive, with Kessler only committing one. He only averaged 1.7 assists per game last season, recording five or more on five occasions, so fantasy managers should not overreact to Thursday’s performance. However, if Kessler is given more opportunities within the half-court to facilitate, that may raise his fantasy ceiling.

Walker Kessler (shoulder) is questionable to play against the Trail Blazers on Tuesday.

Kessler has been able to participate in practice, but he has been sidelined for their preseason games to this point. It would be nice to see him play in this game, but even if he doesn’t, it’ll be more important for him to be available when the regular season starts next week. Jusuf Nurkic should continue to start if Kessler remains out.

Walker Kessler (shoulder) participated in practice on Tuesday.

Kessler has already been ruled out for Tuesday night’s preseason matchup with the Mavericks, and he participated in practice on Sunday. He’s continuing to progress well, so he should be available to start the regular season, even if he hasn’t been available for these exhibitions.

Walker Kessler (shoulder) is out for Tuesday’s game against the Mavericks.

Due to left shoulder bursitis, Kessler has yet to appear in a game during the preseason. He’ll have one more opportunity to play before the start of the regular season, as the Jazz host the Trail Blazers on Thursday. If the shoulder injury keeps Kessler out for regular-season games, Jusuf Nurkić is the most likely replacement.

Walker Kessler (back) was a full participant in Sunday’s practice.

Like fellow starter Lauri Markkanen, Kessler has not appeared in any of Utah’s preseason games due to a sore left shoulder. Fully participating in Sunday’s practice may be a positive sign regarding Kessler’s availability for Monday’s preseason game against the Mavericks. When healthy, he has top-50 fantasy potential, especially in free-throw percentage-punt molds. However, there are lingering tanking concerns, even if the Jazz front office said during the summer that they would not go that route this season. Jusuf Nurkić filled the void in the starting lineup for Utah’s first two preseason games.

Walker Kessler (shoulder) was a full participant in Sunday’s practice.

Like fellow starter Lauri Markkanen, Kessler has not appeared in any of Utah’s preseason games due to a sore left shoulder. Fully participating in Sunday’s practice may be a positive sign regarding Kessler’s availability for Monday’s preseason game against the Mavericks. When healthy, he has top-50 fantasy potential, especially in free-throw percentage-punt molds. However, there are lingering tanking concerns, even if the Jazz front office said during the summer that they would not go that route this season. Jusuf Nurkić filled the void in the starting lineup for Utah’s first two preseason games.

Walker Kessler (concussion) is out for Sunday’s game against the Hawks.

Kessler will remain out for another game. He’s in the league’s concussion protocol and has a broken nose. Kyle Filipowski should remain the starting center, which raises his fantasy ceiling. Given the nature of Kessler’s injury, it would be surprising if he played again this season, especially with the Jazz prioritizing their draft lottery odds.

Walker Kessler (concussion) has been ruled out against the Pacers on Friday.

Kessler played on Wednesday after missing Utah’s two previous games with an illness. However, he is now listed as out due to a nasal fracture that also has him in concussion protocols. With 10 days left in the regular season, it wouldn’t be surprising if Kessler didn’t suit up again this season. KJ Martin should return to the starting lineup, with Kyle Filipowski sliding over to center.

Walker Kessler accounted for 11 points (5-of-10 FGs, 1-of-5 FTs), 12 rebounds, one assist, two steals and two blocks in 28 minutes in Wednesday’s loss to the Rockets.

After a two-game absence, Kessler returned to the Jazz lineup and played 28 minutes on Wednesday. He did fill out the stat sheet, which, unfortunately, included a 1-of-5 night at the foul line. The inconsistent availability has negatively impacted Kessler’s fantasy value, as he’s ranked well outside the top 150 in eight- and nine-cat formats over the past two weeks. Of course, fantasy managers who have him rostered aren’t going to drop Kessler, nor should they. That said, Kyle Filipowski has been far more reliable recently, and he’s only rostered in 39 percent of Yahoo! leagues. The rookie struggled on Wednesday, shooting 3-of-14 from the field and dropping a 6/11/1/2/2 line, but he’s provided ninth-round value over the past two weeks.

Isaiah Collier, Collin Sexton, Brice Sensabaugh, Kyle Filipowski and Walker Kessler will start Wednesday’s game against the Rockets.

Sexton and Kessler are back after missing Monday’s loss to the Hornets. Due to their returns, the Jazz have moved Johnny Juzang and KJ Martin to the bench. While both players should continue to log rotation minutes, there isn’t much to gain from rostering Juzang or Martin in most leagues.

Walker Kessler (conditioning) and Collin Sexton (pelvis) are questionable for Wednesday’s game against the Rockets.

Kessler and Sexton have a shot at playing on Wednesday, which is suitable for those who have either player rostered on their fantasy teams. However, if cleared to play, both players will likely have their playing time limited. Johnny Juzang and KJ Martin started Monday’s loss to the Hornets and would retain those roles if Kessler and Sexton remain out.

Walker Kessler (conditioning) and Lauri Markkanen (knee) are out against the Hornets on Monday.

Markkanen last appeared in a game on March 17, while Monday’s game will be the second that Kessler has missed. Their absences mean Oscar Tshiebwe and Kyle Filipowski will likely remain in the starting lineup, and both are worth rostering in deep leagues. Filipowski has a higher offensive ceiling, while Tshiebwe is especially useful to managers needing rebounds.

Walker Kessler (illness) is out for Friday’s matchup with the Nuggets.

Unsurprisingly, Kessler will miss the second leg of Utah’s back-to-back set after landing on the injury report late on Friday afternoon. In his absence, Oscar Tshiebwe, KJ Martin and Kyle Filipowski should pick up the slack by committee.

Walker Kessler (illness) is questionable to play against the Nuggets on Friday.

Kessler could be sidelined for the second night of Utah’s back-to-back, and reports indicated that he appeared ill in the locker room after Thursday’s game. Oscar Tshiebwe will be available to take on some of the center minutes if Kessler isn’t available, and KJ Martin could replace him in the starting unit, with Kyle Filipowski sliding to center.

Walker Kessler accumulated seven points (3-of-12 FGs), 13 rebounds, two assists, three blocks and one three-pointer in 31 minutes in Sunday’s loss to the Cavaliers.

While Kessler had a rough afternoon shooting the ball, going 3-of-12 from the field and 0-of-4 from the foul line, his rebounding and blocked shot production were excellent. Among Utah’s more established players, Kessler has been the most available, missing just four games since the All-Star break. Unfortunately for those who have him rostered, Utah’s three-game Week 21 ends with a Thursday/Friday back-to-back.

Walker Kessler accumulated seven points (3-of-12 FGs), 13 rebounds, two assists and three blocks in 31 minutes in Sunday’s loss to the Cavaliers.

Walker Kessler finished with eight points (4-of-9 FGs), 11 rebounds, six assists and one block against the Celtics on Friday.

Kessler had a strong first half on Friday, contributing eight points, 10 rebounds and four assists before halftime. Unfortunately, he simply wasn’t able to add much after the break, which made this the third-straight game that he has scored less than 10 points. Utah’s primary goal for the rest of the season is to lose, which is why they will have no issues limiting Kessler’s availability and minutes at times. He can be really productive in 29 minutes, but he simply wasn’t able to do much in the second half of this game.

Walker Kessler (rest) is now available for Wednesday’s game against the Wizards.

Initially ruled out for Wednesday’s game, Kessler is now available. While he should be in the starting lineup, it would be unsurprising if Kessler did not play starters’ minutes. Utah has made multiple decisions recently intending to improve its draft lottery odds, resulting in more playing time for young players like Kyle Filipowski.

Walker Kessler (rest) is out for Wednesday’s game against the Wizards.

The Jazz don’t have a back-to-back to worry about, but that won’t stop them from sitting Kessler on Wednesday. His absence likely means Kyle Filipowski, who should be rostered in deep leagues for the rest of the season, will likely move into the starting lineup.

Walker Kessler notched 15 points (6-of-15 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs) with 19 rebounds and a three-pointer against the Timberwolves on Sunday.

Kessler logged a DNP-CD against the Raptors but was right back in the mix to wrap up the week. The Jazz center has had some rest days here and there as of late but is productive when on the court. Whether he’ll suit up against the Bulls on Monday remains to be seen as Utah continues the obvious tank that they have already been fined for.

Walker Kessler is active for Friday’s game against the Raptors but is not expected to play.

The Jazz starting Kyle Filipowski may have been the first clue that this would happen. Kessler is active for Friday’s game but will likely be in “break in case of emergency” mode. Fantasy managers who have him rostered should not place Kessler in their lineups.

Walker Kessler (rest) is available for Monday’s matchup with Boston.

Kessler sat out Sunday’s matchup with the Sixers, but he’ll be available for the second leg of Utah’s back-to-back set. The big man finished with a monstrous 18 points, 25 rebounds and eight swats in his last game out, and fantasy managers will hope for more of the same against the Celtics.