Utah Jazz vs New York Knicks: Preview, injury report, how to watch

On November 24, 2024By Littum

The Utah Jazz (3-11) return to the Delta Center for an early start at 3 p.m., following a five-game road trip to host New York Knicks (9-6). The Jazz have won just 1 of their 5 home games so far and have given up 19.3 points to opponents and been outscored by 10.6 points per game. match. This is the first meeting between these two teams, the series was tied 1-1 last season.

While Kyle Filipowski (right ankle sprain) has been ruled out tonight — his first appearance on the injury report — Walker Kessler and Jordan Clarkson have both been upgraded to questionable to return. While John Collins has opened up Lauri Markkanen’s spacing on offense, there’s no doubt that Kessler’s rim protection has been sorely missed during his 6-game absence.

The newly formed (and disbanded) Nova Knicks are on one of their hottest streaks so far this young season, winning 5 of their last 6 games. 4 of those 5 wins are by double digits. The Knicks are 4-4 on the road and sit in third place in the Eastern Conference. A win for them tonight would put a little more separation between them and the Magic.

Damage report

Jazz:

QUESTIONABLE – Jordan Clarkson (left plantar fasciitis), Walker Kessler (right hip bursitis)

OUT – Kyle Filipowski (right ankle sprain), Taylor Hendricks (right fibula fracture)

Knicks:

QUESTIONABLE – Miles McBride (left knee patella femoral syndrome)

OUT – Precious Achiuwa (left hamstring strain), Mitchell Robinson (left ankle surgery)

How to watch:

Who: Utah Jazz vs. New York Knicks

When: 23 November at 15.00 mountain time

Where: Delta Center, Salt Lake City

Watch: NBA TV, Jazz+, KJZZ

Things to see

Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler’s unconventional fit

With Kessler (right hip contusion) listed as questionable to return against New York, one wonders how seamlessly he can fit in during Lauri’s hot streak. He may get the chance to showcase his skills against a team that was reportedly interested in him during the season. In 27 minutes per game, Kessler once led the NBA in contested rebounds per game (7.2). Opponents also shot just 48.8% against him within 6 feet. It doesn’t matter that his contribution would have been huge when Stephon Castle and Keldon Johnson got free runs to the rim on Thursday.

Lauri Markkanen may have finally found his groove after John Collins replaced the injured Walker Kessler in the starting lineup – 23.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists on 54.7% FG and 43.8% 3P shooting splits in his last 4 games. He benefited from Kyle Filipowski’s insertion into the starting lineup, but one can only question how many 7 footers can fit into one lineup before it becomes crowded (shoutout Kelly Olynyk).

John Collins would likely move back to the bench despite the electric run he’s been on. While he has raised his trade value, he has been at his best when rushing for boards and making hand-offs in the paint. In a sample size of 9 games off the bench, he has averaged 15.8 points and 7.4 rebounds while shooting 41.7% from the field. Hopefully there won’t be too much of a decline if he is indeed demoted – his presence has been massive in late games.

Slow down turnover

From a ‘Capture the Flag’ perspective, Thursday’s loss to San Antonio was nothing short of a tanking masterclass. The fast-paced offense that gave Utah as much as a 16-point lead early unraveled, resulting in turnover after turnover that gave the Spurs a fighting chance. It was more or less like they gave up when Spurs gave momentum. The Jazz committed 11 turnovers in the second half alone. Naturally, the team turns the ball over more than any other team in the league, committing 18.1 per game. match.

“Our energy, physicality, all those things went down,” Will Hardy said. “We shouldn’t expect to blow anybody out … I continue to see very good play, but our ability to bounce back or right the ship when it starts going sideways is something we have to continue to work on.”

New York itself ranks last in the league in opponent turnovers (12.1), which could give this team some breathing room compared to some other tight, suffocating defenses they’ve faced early in the season.

A few good/bad possessions in the turnover department could be another deciding factor in the outcome of this game.

Ice Brice is fighting for playing time

There was one positive outlook that made the latest loss more memorable — that Brice Sensabaugh finally got some time to shine after a pair of recent DNPs. He replaced Jordan Clarkson while he was out with plantar fasciitis. In 22 minutes, he finished with 18 points and 6 rebounds, converting 7 of his 13 shots (4 of 7 from three) and 69.2% true shooting. Not to mention he tallied 13 of his 18 points in the first half alone.

“He has not complained. He hasn’t had a ‘woe is me’ mentality. He’s just been coming to work every day and he’s been training hard,” Hardy said. “He understands what is expected of him, but to his credit he was ready and he deserves all the credit for that.”

His playing time against New York is a question mark for now — Jordan Clarkson is a game-time decision that will likely affect Brice’s minutes due to their similar playing styles. Don’t expect Ohio State alumni to suddenly become part of the rotation after just one breakout performance.