If you’re staring at your phone and asking when do the jazz play again, you’ve probably just missed one of the weirdest games of the season.
Honestly, the Jazz are in a strange spot right now. We’re in the thick of the 2025-2026 season, and the schedule is about to get incredibly busy. If you missed the heartbreaker on Wednesday night—a 128-126 loss to the Chicago Bulls—you missed Brice Sensabaugh going absolutely nuclear for 43 points off the bench. It was legendary. But a loss is a loss, and the "Tank for the Top Pick" vibes are starting to clash with the "Actually, these kids are good" vibes.
So, let's get right to the point.
When do the jazz play again: The Upcoming Schedule
The Utah Jazz play next on Thursday, January 15, 2026, against the Dallas Mavericks.
This isn't just a one-and-done trip to Texas, though. The NBA schedule makers decided to get cute, so the Jazz are actually playing a "baseball-style" set. They stay in Dallas to play the Mavs again on Saturday.
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Here is the immediate look at the calendar:
- Thursday, Jan 15: @ Dallas Mavericks (7:30 PM CST)
- Saturday, Jan 17: @ Dallas Mavericks (4:00 PM CST)
- Monday, Jan 19: @ San Antonio Spurs (7:00 PM CST)
- Tuesday, Jan 20: vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (7:00 PM MST) - Home at Delta Center
- Thursday, Jan 22: vs. San Antonio Spurs (7:00 PM MST)
That’s four games in seven days. It's brutal. If you’re planning on watching, keep in mind that the start times are jumping around because of the time zone shift from Dallas back to Salt Lake City.
The Lauri Markkanen Situation (And Why It Matters)
The biggest question isn't just when they play, but who is actually stepping onto the hardwood.
Lauri Markkanen missed the Chicago game with an illness. It wasn't an injury, just a bug going around the locker room. Whether he suits up against Dallas on Thursday is still a bit of a toss-up. When Lauri is out, the team is basically a different species. This season, he’s been averaging nearly 28 points and looks like a lock for another All-Star nod.
Without him, coach Will Hardy has been forced to lean on the "Baby Jazz."
We’re talking about Keyonte George, who is averaging 24 points himself lately, and the rookie sensation Ace Bailey. Ace just came back from a hip injury and is finally looking like the top-5 pick everyone hoped for.
Why the Dallas Matchup is a Headache
Playing Dallas twice in a row is a nightmare for a young team.
The Mavs have Cooper Flagg now. Yeah, that Cooper Flagg. He’s putting up 21/7/5 as a rookie, and watching him go head-to-head with Ace Bailey is going to be the main reason scouts are flocking to American Airlines Center this week.
But there's a catch. Dallas is banged up. Kyrie Irving is out with a knee issue, and Dereck Lively II is sidelined too. This means Jusuf Nurkic and Kyle Filipowski actually have a chance to dominate the glass for Utah.
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If you're wondering when do the jazz play again because you're looking for a win, Thursday night is actually a decent bet, despite the Jazz being 13th in the West. They’ve been weirdly competitive in these "road dog" scenarios.
How to Watch the Jazz in 2026
If you’re in Utah, you probably already know the drill, but for those who are confused:
- Jazz+: The streaming service is still the most reliable way to catch every single minute.
- KJZZ / KFAA: Local broadcast is still a thing, thank goodness.
- National TV: Don't hold your breath. With the Jazz sitting at 14-26, the national networks aren't exactly begging to put them on TNT. You might find a stray game on NBA TV, like the one against Charlotte last week, but mostly it's local coverage.
The Reality Check: Standings and Strategy
Look, I’ll be real with you. The Jazz are currently 14-26. They are sitting in the 13th spot in the Western Conference.
The defense is... well, it’s not great. They are currently 30th in the league in points allowed per game (127.0). They play fast (4th in pace), they score a ton (6th in PPG), but they can’t stop a nosebleed right now.
Danny Ainge is clearly playing a long game. The roster is loaded with guys under 23, and the goal is as much about development as it is about the scoreboard. Every time Keyonte George takes 20 shots, a Jazz executive probably gets a little bit happier, regardless of whether the ball goes in.
Practical Steps for Fans This Week
If you're following the team through this January stretch, here’s how to handle it:
- Check the Injury Report at 5:00 PM: Specifically for Lauri Markkanen. If he’s out, expect Brice Sensabaugh or Taylor Hendricks to get massive minutes.
- Watch the Ace Bailey vs. Cooper Flagg Matchup: This is the future of the league. It's worth the price of admission (or the streaming sub) just to see two potential superstars go at it.
- Don't panic about the losses: The Jazz are currently in the "top-eight protected" draft pick zone. Every loss actually helps secure their future in a loaded 2026 draft.
The Jazz return home to the Delta Center on January 20th to face Minnesota. If you're looking to buy tickets, they’re actually pretty cheap right now—some as low as $17 on the secondary market.
Grab a seat, watch the kids grow up, and hope the defense eventually figures out how to guard a pick-and-roll.
Next up: Thursday night in Dallas. See you there.