The Golden State Warriors haven’t faced the Utah Jazz since the second round of the playoffs. Since then, a lot has changed for Utah. Gordon Hayward and George Hill left in free agency, and Rudy Gobert suffered an injury that will sideline him for tonight’s game.
Kerr on the Jazz: "They're banged up, obviously. ... They're different right now because Gobert is out. That changes everything."
— Connor Letourneau (@Con_Chron) December 28, 2017
But Utah has added Ricky Rubio, and a very exciting rookie in Donovan Mitchell. So the Jazz will certainly be throwing some things at the Warriors that Golden State didn’t experience the last time these teams met up.
For the Warriors, it looks like Andre Iguodala will play, which means that everyone is healthy, except Stephen Curry.
Updated Warriors injury report for tonight:
— Logan Murdock (@loganmmurdock) December 27, 2017
Andre Iguodala (low back stiffness) is available to play.
Stephen Curry (sprained right ankle) is out.
Also of note is Zaza Pachulia, who is back in the starting lineup after getting a healthy DNP on Christmas day. Jordan Bell, who got the nod against the Cleveland Cavaliers, is back to the bench, and Shaun Livingston will be starting in Curry’s place.
Warriors starting lineup tonight vs Jazz:
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) December 28, 2017
G Shaun Livingston
G Klay Thompson
F Kevin Durant
F Draymond Green
C Zaza Pachulia
Steve Kerr commented on the rotating center position, saying that Pachulia will start the bulk of the games going forward. Kerr did, however, leave the door open to Bell getting some spot starts depending on the matchup, which was the case against the Cavs.
Kerr on Pachulia sitting on Christmas: "I'm not going to have him chase Kevin Love around on his first game back. ... Zaza had no problem with it, but Zaza's our starter. I would expect him to start the vast majority of games."
— Connor Letourneau (@Con_Chron) December 28, 2017
Steve Kerr said Zaza Pachulia will be starting the "vast majority of games" but he "won't hesitate" to adjust that starting C spot (Bell) when matchups dictate.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) December 28, 2017
Utah may have a losing record, but they have a very nice net rating, so they could provide some problems, even without Gobert. Let’s hope the Dubs are up for it.