Jazz Opt to Rest 4 Players During Final Preseason Game vs. Kings

The Utah Jazz are in the final days before the 2023-24 NBA regular season officially kicks off. Before opening their year against the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday, October 25th, Utah will have an early test against their first opponent in their final preseason game of the year on Thursday night.

However, the Jazz will enter their last preseason game a bit shorthanded, as four players will reportedly be sitting out tonight’s match. According to Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune, G Jordan Clarkson, F John Collins, F Kelly Olynyk, and All-Star F Lauri Markkanen will be resting against the Kings.

Report from shootaround: Jordan Clarkson, John Collins, Lauri Markkanen, and Kelly Olynyk will all rest tonight vs. Sacramento.
— Andy Larsen (@andyblarsen) October 19, 2023

As Larsen later notes, this is likely a coaching decision based on the Jazz’s pending season opener against the Kings. Attempting not to give out too much information about lineups and game plans, HC Will Hardy will decide to give his veterans a nice breather before the true test begins.

This shift would indicate the Jazz may open the end of their bench up a little more, giving rookie talents like G Keyonte George, F Taylor Hendricks, and F Brice Sensabaugh an extended opportunity. Expect to see enhanced responsibility on both ends of the floor for all three guys in Thursday’s game.

While the reworked starting lineup has yet to be announced, young staples of this team will still be showing out, with guys like C Walker Kessler and G Talen Horton-Tucker expected to remain a part of the first five and getting PT.

Even without some key pieces, getting an early look at what this Jazz team can expect during their opener against Sacramento should intriguing to watch unfold.

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