The Utah Jazz face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night and Ace Bailey is once again at the center of the injury report. He is listed as questionable under the concussion protocol, putting the Jazz rookie in focus as Utah looks to snap a three-game losing streak.
Looking for momentum heading into the season finale, the Jazz enter the matchup at 20-48, No. 14 in the West. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves, 42-27, come in at No. 6 in the West, aiming to make it back-to-back wins and solidify their playoff position. Here's everything we know from the injury report about Ace Bailey and his game status against the Timberwolves.
Ace Bailey has been a consistent contributor for the Jazz throughout the season. In 59 games, he averaged 12.4 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 26.7 minutes per game. He is shooting 44.5 percent from the field, 34.9 percent from three and 74.2 percent from the free-throw line. Even as a young unit, Bailey provides scoring balance and spacing on the wing. His ability to contribute on both ends provides Utah with additional structure, especially with several key players sidelined. When he's available, the Jazz offense flows with more rhythm and flexibility.
Ace Bailey Injury Status vs. Timberwolves
The Jazz's injury report makes Bailey's availability even more important. Utah is already shorthanded. Lauri Markkanen (hip), Walker Kessler (shoulder), Jusuf Nurkic (nose), Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee), and Keyonte George (hamstring) are all out. John Conchar (calf) is questionable, while Blake Hinson is out on G League assignment.
Utah's margin for error becomes smaller with each absence as the team tries to stop its skid and find stability late in the season. The Timberwolves, on the other hand, have not yet submitted their full injury report, but they have already confirmed that Anthony Edwards will miss 1-2 weeks, which will pose a challenge as Minnesota looks to build momentum with another win.
So when the question comes whether Ace Bailey is playing tonight against the Timberwolves, the answer is uncertain. His status will depend on pregame evaluation as the Jazz remain mindful of the need to compete.
