Utah Jazz Adjust Starting Lineup Amid Walker Kessler Injury

SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Jazz have opted to change their starting five as they move deeper into the 2025-26 NBA season. Coach Will Hardy announced using rookie Ace Bailey in the starting lineup, a decision prompted by his impressive first performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Bailey’s debut as a starter was noteworthy; he scored 10 points and collected seven rebounds in 28 minutes of play during that game. His overall averages for the season, however, stand at 6.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists, with shooting percentages of 35.3% from the field and 18.2% from three-point range.

“I thought Ace did great,” Hardy said in a post-game interview. “He played well within our offensive system. His athleticism is evident in many aspects of the game.”

Alongside Bailey in the Jazz’s new starting lineup are Keyonte George and Svi Mykhailiuk as guards, with Lauri Markkanen and Jusuf Nurkic in the frontcourt. This marks a strategic change as the Jazz currently navigate through a challenging early season.

The Jazz sit at a 3-7 record and have faced difficulties, particularly in their outside shooting, currently ranked among the worst in the league. The coaching staff, however, remains optimistic about the team’s development.

“I feel like our team is playing well even though our shooting hasn’t been ideal,” Hardy noted. “There’s a competitive spirit, and I believe we can improve as the season progresses.”

Compounding these changes, the Jazz announced that center Walker Kessler will miss the rest of the season due to a torn labrum in his left shoulder, a significant loss as he was averaging 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks.

“It’s tough for Walker and for us as a team,” Hardy added. “We will adapt and find ways to compete with the roster we have.”

The Jazz will next face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday at 6 p.m. MST.