Game 56: Minnesota Timberwolves (29-28) @ Utah Jazz (27-28)

[Crunch 99]

Expected lineups as of 9am.

https://www.rotowire.com/basketball/nba-lineups.php

Now that Kessler has been starting for awhile, it will be interesting to see whether the rookie can narrow or close the gap from veteran Gobert on points and rebounds in their head to head matchup tonight.

This will be Walker Kessler's third start versus Gobert. The first time, on Dec 9, Gobert had 22 pts on 11 fga with 13 rebs in 37 mins vs Kessler's 6 pts on 4 fga and 7 rebs in 21 mins. Wolves won 118-108. The second time, on Jan 16, Gobert got hurt and left the game after just 4:58 minutes of action, while Kessler went on to put up 20 pts on 13 fga, along with 21 rebs and 2 blks in a Jazz one point win.

[Inigo Montoya]

We need to pay Gobert back for that lame last-second layup he scored on us at home when the game was already decided. That was annoying.

[red4hf]

So, I'm wondering, if the Jazz don't hold out any players out of tonight's game, does that mean they don't expect a lot of action tomorrow? Otherwise, would they risk them getting injured?

[Crunch 99]

Gobert has been moved to GTD.

[Cappy_Smurf]

Now that Utah has officially committed to the tank, they will probably win, LOL.

[TNJazz]

First half they are showing how poorly they can play. 77 points, most in any half all season. Cant tank all in one game! I’ll miss Conley, & I enjoyed V8’s energy & the Beasley shimmy. 60 Mil in cap space next year plus so many picks, “Ya gotta tank it baby!”

[Jazzy13]

Looks like we're finally tanking. No effort on defense. I guess it's for the better but sucks to watch

[tugs]

They look out of sorts. Could be the trade?

[jazzkid]

Yeah team is in shock wondering who's next to go.

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[tugs]

Man. Wonder next game will dictate the direction of the org. I think they can still compete but they'll need the other guys to step up. Shooting from Beas can be replaced by Simone, PG duties by Sexton and THT takes that Sexton and NAW roles

Ochai needs to be Vando now lol. Simone stepping up to be the Agbaji 3&D

Too many to digest

[Cappy_Smurf]

Yeah team is in shock wondering who's next to go.

Don't think that's it. Utah was only 3 games out of the 4th seed before this game.

These guys were hoping for playoffs, and Utah just traded 3 key players.

Pretty clear sign that management is throwing in the towel and that the rest of the season is about getting a high draft pick.

This move just took the wind out of the sails of any player who was looking forward to the playoffs this year.

Walker and Agbaji will be fine, but I feel bad for Markkanen. Having a breakout season as an all-star and could have been the best player on a playoff team for the first time in his career. This had to be a punch in the gut for him.