Jazz Update Talen-Horton Tucker's Status for Thunder Matchup
The Utah Jazz host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night, and once again, they'll be without multiple starters. The Jazz have ruled out All-Star Lauri Markkanen (hand), Jordan Clarkson (finger), Collin Sexton (hamstring), and Rudy Gay (back).
After finally seeing some action against the Los Angeles Lakers, the Jazz are sitting Sexton as "maintenance" for a hamstring injury that has lingered throughout most of 2023. It's doubtful Clarkson will suit up in what remains of the season, while it seems the Jazz brass are aiming to bolster draft position.
As for the Thunder, Aleksej Pokusevski (knee) has been ruled out of Thursday's action, while Luguentz Dort is questionable with a shoulder strain. The Jazz could be outmatched.
However, if nothing else, the Jazz have shown a remarkable resilience all season long. Through the unrelenting sting of the injury bug and all the front office machinations, including the trades, Utah's coaches and players refuse to mail it in.
That's a credit to head coach Will Hardy and the competitive fire that the players obviously strive to cultivate. It portends well for the future Jazz teams that'll take the court after this season.
Utah no longer controls its playoff destiny, which is why the deck is seemingly being stacked to lose what games remain. However, postseason hope remains.
Read this article for an idea of how the different scenarios could play out for the Jazz, when it comes to bolstering lottery position or pushing for the play-in tournament.
Tip-off is at 7 pm MDT.
Update
Tony Jones of The Athletic reports that Talen Horton-Tucker will be out on Thursday night. Walker Kessler will sit, as well.
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