The Utah Jazz will take on the Dallas Mavericks in the in-season tournament.
The Jazz, with a record of 2-8, will return to the court on Thursday night against the Mavericks, who have a record of 5-6. Both teams will be missing important players for this matchup.
The Jazz will be without starting center Walker Kessler, who is sidelined due to right hip bursitis, marking his second absence of the season. Kessler has been having a strong season, averaging 9.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game, ranking him second in the league in blocks.
On the Mavericks’ side, they will also be without key players. PJ Washington is listed as doubtful with a right knee sprain, and Dante Exum remains out after undergoing wrist surgery earlier this year.
Luka Doncic is listed as probable due to a left groin strain. The All-NBA guard struggled from the floor in the first matchup between the teams earlier this year, shooting 5-for-22 overall. Regardless, he is one of the best players in the league and gives the Mavs a big advantage over the young Jazz.
Without Washington in the fold, Dallas has started Naji Marshall in his place. The Mavericks are currently on a three-game losing streak that they’ll look to snap in Salt Lake City. They have had the Jazz’s number in recent years, winning six out of the past seven matchups.
The Jazz are still looking for their first home win of the year. They’ll have their work cut out against the reigning Western Conference Champions, who want to keep pace in the loaded Western Conference.
Without Walker Kessler, the Jazz matchup poorly against a Mavericks team that likes to punish teams in the paint. John Collins, who poured in a 29-point double-double in his first start of the year, is expected to start in place of Kessler. Collins is averaging 17.1 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game this year and is one of the few bright spots on the roster.
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