The Utah Jazz are one of the most veteran-heavy teams in the NBA. Generally speaking, they keep it professional. However, tonight’s contest with the Minnesota Timberwolves has the potential to get a little personal. The last time these two squads squared off, some members of the Wolves had some choice words regarding Rudy Gobert’s defensive prowess. We’ll see if the Stifle Tower is able to put some fear in the Wolves’ heart in this contest.
The Wolves (16-18) have had an up-and-down season, but they’re no easy out. Having said that, they haven’t been in the same league as the Jazz (25-9) either. The Wolves sport a Net Rating of -0.49, while the Jazz lead the entire NBA in that category at 10.53.
None of which may matter in this game. Fans should expect a war of attrition tonight, with the injury report on both sides looking bleak. The Jazz will be without Mike Conley, and possibly Joe Ingles. Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards is questionable for the Wolves, and Karl Anthony-Towns and D’Angelo Russell are both out.
This one could get ugly.
Utah Jazz vs Minnesota Timberwolves Odds Tonight
According to WynnBet, the Jazz are 11.5 point favorites to come away with the victory tonight, and a -650 point favorite on the money line. The Timberwolves are a +475 money line underdog.
The over/under is presently at 221.5.
Utah Jazz Starting Lineup
With Donovan Mitchell back in, Mike Conley out, and Joe Ingles questionable, it’s a little hard to predict Quin Snyder’s lineup for this one. We’ll be optimistic and expect a lineup of Mitchell, Ingles, Bojan Bogdanovic, Royce O’Neale and Rudy Gobert tonight.
Utah Jazz Injury Report
Jazz fans will be pleased to welcome Donovan Mitchell back into the fold this evening. As previously mentioned, Conley is sitting this one out for rest, and Joe Ingles is questionable with a lower back strain. Otherwise, Udoka Azubuike remains shelved with an ankle injury, and Eric Paschall is listed as out for personal reasons.
Utah Jazz vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction
You’ve already read the odds, so you probably know what to expect here. If Anthony Edwards manages to play tonight’s game, the Wolves may have a puncher’s chance. Even still, without Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell, they can’t like their odds against the Utah Jazz.
Meanwhile, if Edwards remains out, this one might already be over. The safe money is by far on the Jazz in this one. Don’t be surprised if garbage time extends into midway through the third quarter tonight.
Prediction: Jazz 124, Wolves 105
Utah Jazz vs Minnesota Timberwolves TV Channel
If they can stomach it, Wolves fans should tune into Bally Sports North to catch this one. Meanwhile, fans in Utah can turn to AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain.
Utah Jazz Schedule and Next Game
The Jazz better hope they settle this contest early. Any rest they can afford their starters will be ideal, as they square off with the Golden State Warriors tomorrow evening. They’ll take on the New Orleans Pelicans after that on January 3.
They’ll face off with Nikola Jokic and his Denver Nuggets on January 5, before heading north of the border for a contest with the Toronto Raptors on January 7.