Utah Jazz Face Injury Setbacks Ahead of Preseason Opener

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — The Utah Jazz will be without several key players in their preseason opener against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday.

The Jazz announced an extensive injury report prior to the game, listing Isaiah Collier, Kyle Filipowski, Walker Kessler, Lauri Markkanen, and Georges Niang as out. Markkanen’s absence is particularly noteworthy as he deals with a left wrist contusion that has sidelined him since training camp began.

“I feel better, making progress every day,” Markkanen said. “It sucks to watch from the sidelines; you’re itching to get out there. I’m doing rehab every day and feeling better, but I’m not sure when I’ll be back.”

In addition to Markkanen, Kessler is out due to left shoulder bursitis, Collier is dealing with a right hamstring strain, and Filipowski is listed for lower back injury management.

Despite these setbacks, the Jazz will have rookies Ace Bailey and Walt Clayton Jr. making their debuts. Keyonte George will lead the backcourt while Taylor Hendricks returns to action for the first time in nearly a year after a season-ending leg injury.

The Jazz are embarking on a Texas road trip that includes games against the Rockets and the San Antonio Spurs before returning home to face the Dallas Mavericks and Portland Trail Blazers to conclude their four-game preseason schedule.

In Houston, Rockets fans are eager to see star Kevin Durant make his debut, but Coach Ime Udoka announced he would sit out Monday’s game against the Atlanta Hawks, opting to keep him fresh for the matchup against the Jazz.

As the Jazz prepare for their season following last year’s disappointing record, the absence of key players poses a significant challenge. However, they aim to use this preseason to build momentum and adjust before the regular season begins.