Utah Jazz wing Ace Bailey will not play against the Chicago Bulls on Monday night after back spasms forced his exit from Sunday’s Summer League game against the Los Angeles Clippers. The decision effectively ends his 2026 Summer League campaign, with Utah also resting rookies Darryn Peterson and Cody Williams in a back-to-back stretch. Last result: Los Angeles Lakers 131-107 Utah Jazz (2026-04-13), and their recent form (last 5): 2W-0D-3L (LLWWL, most recent first) shows the Jazz need every player healthy as they chase a playoff rebound.

What Happened in Bailey’s Exit?

Bailey played just eight minutes in Utah’s 104-82 loss to the Clippers on Sunday, July 12, before leaving with back spasms—his second early exit in over a week. He went 0-for-5 from the field, collecting two rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block before the team pulled him. Earlier, he’d exited Utah’s July 4 Summer League game midway through after another back flare-up, missing the final two Utah games and the Las Vegas opener against the Washington Wizards.

Steve Wojciechowski, Utah’s Summer League head coach, confirmed Bailey felt fine during Sunday’s shootaround but struggled once the game started. “It’s a worry,” Wojciechowski told Sarah Todd of the Deseret News. “He said he felt good this morning, but [his back] was acting up during the game. He wasn’t moving great, so we decided [to] sit him.” The recurrence is far more concerning than the box score suggests.

Why Utah Jazz Are Protecting Bailey’s Recovery

Bailey isn’t a prospect fighting for a roster spot—he’s a No. 5 draft pick in the 2025 NBA Draft who averaged 13.8 points and 4.2 rebounds across 72 games last season, earning NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors. His role in Utah’s young core is already locked in, making Summer League minutes secondary to his long-term health. Teams often bench established players after minimal exhibition work, and Utah’s caution is justified after two back issues in two weeks.

The Jazz face the Bulls at 9 p.m. Eastern (7 p.m. Mountain) on ESPN, followed by the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday, July 15. While Bailey hasn’t been ruled out for that game, his return appears unlikely given the pattern. Utah’s priority is clear: let Bailey recover fully before training camp rather than risk further aggravation. His status remains day-to-day unless the team provides a medical update.

What Comes Next for Utah Jazz?

Bailey’s absence adds to Utah’s recent struggles, with their 2-3 loss streak (LLWWL) highlighting the need for depth. The Jazz lost their last two games, including the 131-107 blowout to the Lakers on April 13, a sign of the challenges ahead. With Peterson and Williams also resting, Utah will lean on veterans like Lauri Markkanen and Royce O’Neale to carry the load in Las Vegas. For Bailey, the focus shifts from Summer League stats to a full recovery—his contribution in the regular season matters far more than exhibition minutes.