Utah basketball is in a weird spot. Honestly, if you’re looking for the starting lineup Utah Jazz tonight, you’re probably just as confused as the rest of us. One night they’re a defensive wall, the next they’re giving up 140 points to a shorthanded Dallas squad.
It’s frustrating.
Last night’s 144–122 blowout loss to the Mavericks at American Airlines Center was a wake-up call. Klay Thompson looked like it was 2016 again, and the Jazz defense? Well, it was practically non-existent. The Jazz are currently sitting at 14–27, 13th in the Western Conference, and the roster is a revolving door of young talent and aging vets like Kevin Love.
Who is actually on the floor tonight?
Will Hardy is juggling a lot. Between the "illness" bug going around and legitimate long-term injuries, predicting the five guys at tip-off is a game of chance.
Lauri Markkanen has been the focal point of the injury report lately. He’s been dealing with a stubborn illness that sidelined him for the Chicago game and the Dallas matchup. When he's on, he’s an All-Star lock, averaging 27.9 points and 7.2 rebounds. Without him, the offense loses its gravity.
Here is what the rotation looks like right now:
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- Point Guard: Keyonte George. He’s the engine. Averaging nearly 24 points lately, he’s the clear future of this backcourt.
- Shooting Guard: Isaiah Collier or Cody Williams. Hardy is experimenting here. Collier brings more traditional playmaking, while Williams offers that length that scouts drool over.
- Small Forward: Ace Bailey. The rookie has been a bright spot. He’s 6'9" and can jump out of the gym.
- Power Forward: Kyle Filipowski. With Markkanen out, "Flip" has been getting the nod. He put up 19 on Wednesday and is showing real stretch-big potential.
- Center: Kevin Love or Jusuf Nurkić. This is the "old head" slot. Love provides the spacing, but Nurkić is the one you want for screens and rebounding.
The Starting Lineup Utah Jazz Tonight and the Injury Mess
You can’t talk about the lineup without talking about the training room. It’s packed.
Walker Kessler is the biggest blow. He’s out with a shoulder injury, and the rim protection has vanished since he left. Then you’ve got Georges Niang (foot) and Elijah Harkless also sidelined.
It forces the Jazz to play small.
Basically, the starting lineup Utah Jazz tonight depends entirely on whether Lauri Markkanen’s fever broke and if Kevin Love’s 37-year-old knees feel like playing a back-to-back. If Markkanen stays out, expect more heavy minutes for Brice Sensabaugh. Brice was the lone bright spot against Dallas, dropping 27 points. He's making a case to be a permanent fixture in the starting five regardless of who is healthy.
Why the rotation feels so inconsistent
Hardy isn't just trying to win; he’s trying to see what he has. In 2026, the NBA is about versatility. The Jazz have a bunch of "tweeners"—guys like Taylor Hendricks and Cody Williams who can play three positions but haven't mastered one.
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Hendricks is a great example. He’s had games where he looks like the next great 3-and-D wing, and others where he disappears for three quarters. That’s the tax you pay when your core is mostly under 23 years old.
Key Matchups to Watch
If the Jazz are going to turn this around, it starts with Keyonte George. He’s been averaging 6.9 assists, which is a huge step up from his rookie year. But he’s also turning it over way too much—3.5 times per game.
Watch how he handles the defensive pressure. Teams are starting to realize he's the only one who can consistently create his own shot when Markkanen is off the floor.
Then there’s the glass.
The Jazz were out-rebounded significantly in their last few losses. Without Kessler, the responsibility falls on Nurkić and Filipowski. If they can’t control the defensive boards, the starting lineup Utah Jazz tonight is going to spend the whole evening running back in transition while the other team celebrates.
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How to use this info
If you're betting or setting a fantasy lineup, keep an eye on the official 2:30 PM MT injury report. That’s usually when the "Probable" tags turn into "Out."
- Check Markkanen's status first. He is the difference between a 110-point game and a 125-point game.
- Look at the center rotation. If Nurkić starts, expect a slower pace. If it’s Filipowski, expect a shootout.
- Monitor Brice Sensabaugh’s minutes. He’s the "hot hand" right now.
The Jazz are in a rebuilding phase, even if they won’t always admit it. Every game is a scouting mission. Tonight is no different.
Pay attention to the first six minutes of the first quarter. That’s when Hardy usually shows his hand regarding the defensive scheme. If they’re switching everything, the young guys are going to get tested on the perimeter. If they’re playing a drop coverage, they’re begging the opponent to beat them from mid-range.
The starting lineup Utah Jazz tonight isn't just a list of names; it's a look at the blueprint for the next three years of Salt Lake City basketball. Whether they win or lose, the development of George, Bailey, and Williams is the only thing that actually matters for the long-term health of the franchise.
Monitor the pre-game warmups for any late scratches. In this league, things change fast. A "questionable" tag is often just a polite way of saying "see how they feel after a jog." Keep your notifications on and your expectations managed.
The Jazz are young, they're fast, and right now, they're a little bit broken. But that's where the most interesting basketball happens.