Utah Jazz: Neck spasms could keep Derrick Favors out again
By Ryan Aston
Utah Jazz F/C Derrick Favors could sit out again after missing his team’s home win over the Orlando Magic on Monday.
Before the week began, it felt as though the Utah Jazz were healthier collectively than they’ve been all season. Rudy Gobert has been running strong, Ricky Rubio is back in the lineup after battling a hip issue and Dante Exum’s return could be right around the corner.
However, we may now be looking at a two steps forward, one step back situation.
Big man Derrick Favors was a late scratch ahead of Utah’s 94-80 win over the Orlando Magic on Monday. Now, it’s looking like he could be out of commission again when the team hits the court for its next game against the Indiana Pacers.
Favors is currently listed as questionable to play against Indy on Wednesday. Once again, neck spasms are the culprit.
The @UofUHealth report for tomorrow vs. Indiana:
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) March 7, 2018
Derrick Favors (neck spasms) is questionable.
Favors being MIA is no small thing for the Jazz. Much of the team’s recent success has been attributed to Rudy Gobert — and rightfully so, he’s one of the most impactful players in the game — but Favors has had a big hand in the recent success as well.
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From the beginning of the Jazz’s pre-break win streak to now, they’ve posted a D-rating of 96.0 with Gobert and Favors on the floor together while outscoring opponents by 16.2 points per 100 possessions. And over his last 14 games, Favors is averaging 16 points and 10 rebounds per 36 minutes and shooting over 60 percent from the floor.
The team could really use him against the Pacers, too. While a lot of attention will be paid to Victor Oladipo on the guard line, Myles Turner could give the Jazz fits in the frontcourt.
If Favors can’t go, look for Jonas Jerebko to get extended time as he did against the Magic. In 18 starts this season, Jerebko has averaged nine points and four boards per game while shooting 48 percent from deep. Jae Crowder would also see time at the four.