The Utah Jazz and the Chicago Bulls will play the final game of their two-game homestand on Wednesday night. Before the Jazz game, everyone will be focused on winning.
Keyonte George (illness) is doubtful, and Lauri Markkanen (quad), Taylor Hendricks (toe), and Walker Kessler (foot) are all listed as out. Torrey Craig is dubious about the Bulls.
For some of Utah’s less experienced players, this will be another chance to show that they belong in the NBA. Jordan Clarkson was the star of Monday night’s victory over the Washington Wizards, even though Luka Samanec and Johnny Juzang played rotational minutes.
The former Sixth Man of the Year finished with 38 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists, just shy of a triple-double. According to reports, this will be Clarkson’s final season in Salt Lake City. The Jazz will need him to have a strong season finale in order to maintain Clarkson’s high trade value.
Despite Utah’s elimination from the playoff picture, this game matters in terms of Utah’s first-round selection. The Jazz are currently only 1.5 games ahead of the Bulls in the lottery standings, with the eleventh position reserved for them. Utah is only half a game behind the Houston Rockets in securing their protected top-10 pick.