Headed into Thursday night's contest, the Utah Jazz are looking to bounce back from their previous loss against the Atlanta Hawks, this time against the Orlando Magic. The Jazz are now sitting with an underwhelming 3-9 record across their last twelve but hope to right the ship in the second of their three-game East Coast road trip.
The Jazz are up against the Magic for the second time this season. Their first meeting took place much earlier in the season on November 2nd when Orlando took home a close win, 113-115. Now, Utah has the opportunity to even the series 1-1.
Both teams unveiled their injury reports heading into tonight's game, with both teams showcasing what would be potentially significant absences:
Utah Jazz:
Walker Kessler- QUESTIONABLE (right foot)
Otto Porter- OUT (not with team)
Johnny Juzang- OUT (two-way)
Jason Preston- OUT (two-way)
Micah Potter- OUT (two-way)
Orlando Magic:
Paolo Banchero- QUESTIONABLE (illness)
Jonathan Isaac- OUT (illness)
While the Jazz has remained notably healthy across their post-trade deadline stretch, second-year center Walker Kessler is listed as questionable heading into Thursday vs. the Magic with a right foot sprain. His final status will likely be decided upon once we arrive closer to tip-off. As for Otto Porter Jr., he remains away from the team as he evaluates his options surrounding a buyout.
Kessler has been a consistent component of the Jazz rotation since he returned from his elbow strain earlier this season. Whether it's been as a starter or as a bench piece, his defensive impact can't be understated. Without him, Utah could be in for some difficulties getting stops, especially within the paint.
The Magic are also dealing with some potential losses of their own. All-Star Paolo Banchero is dealing with an illness that pins him as questionable. His teammate Jonathan Issac is another member on the roster dealing with some illness troubles as well, but he's already been listed as inactive for Thursday.
The Jazz and Magic will tip off at 5 PM MT to hopefully avoid falling into another multi-loss stretch.
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