The Utah Jazz, carrying a five-game losing streak, get a boost to their frontcourt as they prepare for a critical NBA Cup road game against the Dallas Mavericks on November 6. After a 120-113 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on November 4, the Jazz are desperate for a win to stop their slide. Their recent form shows five consecutive defeats, including losses to the Spurs, Trail Blazers, and Grizzlies.
Key big men Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jusuf Nurkic remain sidelined. Jackson Jr. is recovering from a right knee MCL tear with a six-to-eight week timeline. Nurkic continues to rehab a right foot plantar plate tear suffered in the preseason. Two-way players Trey Alexander and Harrison Ingram are also out, awaiting their season debuts.
This leaves a significant hole in the paint. But the news isn't all bad for a team that's struggled to find consistency.
The active roster gets a much-needed infusion of size. Lauri Markkanen, Jaxson Hayes, and Mo Bamba are all cleared to play against Dallas. Their presence is vital for rebounding and interior defense.
Head coach Will Hardy will likely start a combination of Hayes, Markkanen, and rookie Ace Bailey in the frontcourt. Keyonte George and Darryn Peterson are expected to handle the starting guard duties. Getting Markkanen's scoring and Hayes's energy back is a major positive.
The Mavericks have their own injury concerns, though most are not expected to impact their core rotation. Dereck Lively II is out as he rehabs from right foot surgery. Rookies Tarik Biberovi (heel bursitis) and Sergio de Larrea (knee sprain) are also sidelined.
Two rotation players are listed as probable. Santi Aldama (right knee) and Max Christie (right hip) are likely to suit up. Their availability would give Dallas full strength on the perimeter and in their frontcourt depth.
This game represents a clear opportunity. The Jazz's 0-5 record in their last five games is a heavy weight. A win in the NBA Cup could provide the spark this young team needs. Playing with a nearly full complement of forwards should help them compete on the boards and in the paint.
Tip-off at the American Airlines Center is set for 6 p.m. Mountain Time. For the full schedule ahead, fans can visit the team's schedule page. Ending this skid won't be easy against Luka Doncic and the Mavericks, but having key players back gives Utah a fighting chance.
