The Utah Jazz are set to face the Memphis Grizzlies at the FedEx Forum on Friday night as both teams return from the All-Star break. However, the Jazz’s injury report raises concerns, particularly regarding rookie guard Keyonte George. George has been dealing with an ankle sprain sustained before the break and will be sidelined for the matchup against the Grizzlies.
The Jazz have a notable list of players on the injury report, including Jaren Jackson Jr. and Walker Kessler, who are already ruled out. Jackson is recovering from left knee surgery that has put him out for the remainder of the season, while Kessler has been inactive since undergoing shoulder surgery in November.
George and Lauri Markkanen’s statuses were uncertain leading up to the game, but both have officially been listed as out. George’s injury has significantly impacted his playing time; he has only participated in one game this month and has been absent for most of February due to the ankle issue sustained against the Orlando Magic. Markkanen, on the other hand, has missed the game after being included on the injury report due to an illness.
As a result of these injuries, Isaiah Collier is stepping into the starting point guard role once again, leading a lineup that includes Ace Bailey, Brice Sensabaugh, Cody Williams, and Kyle Filipowski.
The injury situation is not limited to Jazz players. The Grizzlies also face substantial challenges, with several key players including Santi Aldama, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Ja Morant unable to compete tonight. Morant’s absence, due to a left elbow UCL sprain, adds to the Grizzlies’ woes as they prepare to take on Utah.
In observing both teams’ recent struggles with injuries, the focus will be on their depth and how they can adapt, with both aiming to secure vital wins.