The Utah Jazz travel to Toyota Center on Friday to face the Houston Rockets, but the injury report shows both teams entering the matchup with significant roster limitations. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET in Houston.
Utah’s injury list is extensive and includes several players who normally shape the team’s offense, rebounding, and interior defense. The Jazz currently sit near the bottom of the Western Conference standings at 21–56 and are managing multiple injuries across their roster.
Lauri Markkanen is out with a right hip impingement, removing Utah’s top scoring option. The forward is averaging 26.7 points and 6.9 rebounds per game this season while shooting 47.7 percent from the field.
The Jazz will also be without guard Keyonte George, who is out with a right hamstring strain. George has produced 23.6 points and 6.1 assists per game, making him one of Utah’s primary shot creators and ball handlers.
Isaiah Collier is also out with a left hamstring strain. The rookie guard averages 11.7 points and 7.2 assists per game and has played a major role in initiating the offense when George or Markkanen are off the floor.
Utah’s frontcourt depth is also limited. Walker Kessler remains out with a left shoulder injury recovery, while Jusuf Nurkic is sidelined with a nose injury recovery after averaging 10.9 points and 10.4 rebounds this season.
Jaren Jackson Jr. is listed out with a left knee injury recovery. Elijah Harkless is also out due to a left hamstring strain. Blake Hinson is unavailable as well while on a G League two-way assignment.
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Houston enters the game in a stronger position in the Western Conference standings at 47–29, though the Rockets are also missing several players due to injury or roster status.
Steven Adams is out following left ankle surgery. Adams had been averaging 8.6 rebounds per game and provided physical interior defense when available.
Houston is also without starting guard Fred VanVleet, who remains sidelined after ACL repair in his right knee.
Two additional players are unavailable due to two-way roster assignments. Isaiah Crawford and Tristen Newton are both listed out while playing in the G League.
Despite those absences, Houston still features a strong offensive core led by Kevin Durant, who averages 25.8 points per game. Alperen Sengun adds 20.6 points and 8.9 rebounds, while Amen Thompson contributes 17.9 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists.
The teams have split two meetings this season. Houston won the first matchup 129–101 on Nov. 30, while Utah responded with a 133–125 victory the following night.
