Minnesota Timberwolves vs Utah Jazz: Injury Report, Predicted Lineups and Starting 5s - December 31st, 2021 | NBA Season 2021-22
The short-handed Minnesota Timberwolves face an uphill task as they take on the Utah Jazz at Vivint Arena on Friday.
The Timberwolves are among the few teams severely affected by COVID protocols. They had to play a game without any of their starters last week and Patrick Beverley was the only starter to play for the side in their previous outing against the New York Knicks. The Wolves fought well despite the adversity of playing without key players but lost the tie 88-96.
Meanwhile, the Jazz are on a dominant run. They have won their last five games in a row. The Portland Trail Blazers were the latest team to cave against Donovan Mitchell and Co., losing 120-105.
Minnesota Timberwolves Injury Report
The Minnesota Timberwolves injury report features eight players. Anthony Edwards, Jarred Vanderbilt and Taurean Prince are listed as questionable. Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns, D'Angelo Russell, McKinley Wright IV, Chris Silva and Rayjon Tucker are all sidelined.
Utah Jazz Injury Report
The Utah Jazz have four players on their injury report. Joe Ingles is listed as questionable, while Udoka Azubuike, Mike Conley and Eric Paschall are ruled out.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Utah Jazz: Predicted Lineups
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves will likely make a few changes to their lineup with Anthony Edwards and Jarred Vanderbilt testing out of covid protocols. Edwards will likely partner Patrick Beverley in the backcourt, while Malik Beasley, Jarred Vanderbilt and Nathan Knight will complete the rest of the lineup.
Taurean Prince, Jaden McDaniels and Jordan McLaughlin will likely play the most minutes among the reserves.
Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz could start Joe Ingles if he is available alongside Donovan Mitchell in the backcourt. If Ingles is ruled out, Jordan Clarkson will likely get a start. Meanwhile, Rudy Gobert, Royce O'Neale and Bojan Bogdanovic will complete the rest of the lineup.
If Clarkson starts off the bench, he will likely play the most minutes among the reserves along with Rudy Gay and Hassan Whiteside.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Utah Jazz: Predicted Starting 5s
Minnesota Timberwolves
Point Guard - Patrick Beverley; Shooting Guard - Anthony Edwards; Small Forward - Malik Beasley; Power Forward - Jarred Vanderbilt; Center - Nathan Knight.
Utah Jazz
Point Guard - Donovan Mitchell; Shooting Guard - Joe Ingles; Small Forward - Bojan Bogdanovic; Power Forward - Royce O'Neale; Center - Rudy Gobert.