Cavs Forward Lauri Markkanen Suffers Ankle Injury Against OKC

Cleveland Cavaliers (27-19) forward Lauri Markkanen exited Saturday night’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder (14-31), suffering an apparent right ankle sprain.

Markannen landed awkwardly on the ankle with 3:43 left in the second quarter — unable to walk off without assistance from his teammates. He was guided to the locker room and is not expected to return.

Markkanen tallied nine points and two rebounds on 13 minutes before heading to the locker room. The 24-year-old is averaging 13.7 points and 5.4 rebounds this season.

Lauri Markkanen went down on the court with an apparent ankle injury. 😳

He was carried off the court by his teammates and is headed straight back to the locker room. Hope nothing's serious. 😓

Prayers up for Lauri. 🙏🏽pic.twitter.com/MmoLU4wUG2

— NBA Analysis Network (@HoopAnalysisNet) January 23, 2022

Prayers up to Lauri Markkanen, who came down incredibly hard on his right ankle & was helped off the floor by teammates.

Will update you when I know more. pic.twitter.com/TCkexumo0k

— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) January 23, 2022

Playing against the Chicago Bulls on Jan. 19, Markkanen had his best performance in a Cavs jersey — scoring 28 points on 9-of-14 shooting, hitting 5-of-9 from three.

Markkanen joined the Cavaliers in the offseason (Aug. 28) via three-way trade between Cleveland, Chicago and the Portland Trail Blazers.

Lauri Markkanen on trade to #Cavs: “I think I fit in well — young core, exciting point guards. I’m looking forward to playing with those big guys.” https://t.co/7qmNFNpzAq pic.twitter.com/vvihKRM1uK

— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) August 31, 2021