Times have been tough for the Utah Jazz recently. On the other hand, things have been tough for the Minnesota Timberwolves since Kevin Garnett’s retirement. This year, the Timberwolves (24-25) are showing signs of life. They currently sit in the 8th seed in the Western Conference. They’re an exciting young team, but there’s no reason for the Jazz (30-20) to be envious of them. They’re fourth in the West.
The most disappointing aspect of this game from the Jazz’s perspective will be Rudy Gobert’s absence. The Jazz are always weaker without Gobert, but this game could have given him an opportunity for some revenge after several members of the Wolves. For those with short memories, several members of this team questioned the legitimacy of Gobert’s unquestionably elite defense earlier this year.
Hopefully, Donovan Mitchell (questionable) makes his return. A Jazz win tonight would mean more than any statement Gobert might be able to make.
Utah Jazz vs Minnesota Timberwolves Odds Tonight
According to WynnBet, the Timberwolves are 2.5 point favorites to win this contest, and -140 points favorite on the money line. The Jazz are +115 point underdogs.
The over/under is presently set at 227.5 points.
Utah Jazz Starting Lineup
With Mitchell listed as questionable, it’s hard to know what Quin Snyder’s starting group will look like. If he’s healthy, we’ll see a lineup of Mike Conley, Mitchell, Bojan Bogdanovic, Royce O’Neale and Hassan Whiteside. Otherwise, look for one of Joe Ingles or Jordan Clarkson to step into Mitchell’s spot.
Utah Jazz Injury Report
Donovan Mitchell is questionable, and Rudy Gobert is out with a calf strain. Trent Forrest is also questionable with an ankle injury.
Utah Jazz vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction
Pardon our undying optimism. Once again, we’re predicting Donovan Mitchell’s return to lead to a Utah Jazz injury.
If he remains out of the lineup, this one could easily go the other way. These Timberwolves should not be underestimated. Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns are a talented enough duo to gain the Timberwolves a win against any team in the league.
Hopefully, these Jazz are hungry for a win. Even more importantly, hopefully Donovan Mitchell is available. Here, we’ll try to will the latter scenario into existence.
Prediction: Jazz 113, Timberwolves 109
Utah Jazz vs Minnesota Timberwolves TV Channel
Fans in Minnesota can catch this game on Fox Sports North, whereas fans in Utah can tune into AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain.
Utah Jazz Schedule and Next Game
The Utah Jazz will face reigning MVP Nikola Jokic and his Denver Nuggets on February 2.
After that, they’re due for a trip to Broadway. They play the Brooklyn Nets on February 4 and the New York Knicks on February 7.