Utah Jazz game preview: Markkanen and Collins return to action against the OKC Thunder


The Utah Jazz (10-31) will travel to face the Oklahoma City Thunder (35-7) tonight in a battle between the top and bottom of the Western Conference. Utah has lost three straight games and 11 of their last 14. They’re injury report has shown their hand very clearly: they’re tanking. The Thunder are the exact opposite, battling the Cleveland Cavaliers for the best record in the NBA.


Game Info

When: Wednesday, January 22, 2025, 6:00 PM Mountain Time

Where: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK

Where to watch: SEG+, Jazz+, KJZZ, NBA League Pass


Injury Report:

OUT for Utah: Taylor Hendricks, Jordan Clarkson, Cody Williams, Johnny Juzang, Micah Potter

AVAILABLE for Utah: Lauri Markkanen, John Collins

OUT for OKC: Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, Ajay Mitchell, Nikola Topic

QUESTIONABLE for OKC: Jalen Williams


What to watch for:

Will Isaiah Collier keep up his hot streak?

Isaiah Collier has been finding his footing in the league. Over the last four games, Collier has averaged 15.5 PTS, 5.0 REB, 9.8 AST per game on 42/38/73 shooting. He still struggles with shooting and turnovers at times, but his ability to get into the paint and create offense has been eye-opening. Tonight, he’ll have to face the best defense in the NBA, with a backcourt stacked with elite defenders. This will be a big test for the rookie.





After a brief hiatus due to injuries, Lauri Markkanen and John Collins are set to make their return to the Utah Jazz lineup as they take on the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Jazz will be looking to bounce back from a tough loss in their last game and will be counting on the return of Markkanen and Collins to provide a boost to their offense.

Markkanen, who has been dealing with a nagging ankle injury, will be looking to pick up where he left off before his absence. The sharpshooting forward was averaging over 20 points per game and providing a crucial scoring punch for the Jazz. Collins, on the other hand, will be looking to bring his energy and athleticism back to the frontcourt and provide a presence on both ends of the court.

The Thunder, on the other hand, have been struggling as of late and will be looking to turn things around against a tough Jazz team. With the return of Markkanen and Collins, the Jazz will have a full arsenal of weapons at their disposal and will be looking to make a statement against the Thunder.

It should be an exciting matchup as two talented teams square off, so be sure to tune in to see how Markkanen and Collins impact the game. Let’s go Jazz! #TakeNote.

Tags:

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