The injury lists tell the story before the ball even goes up. The Utah Jazz visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night, January 12, with both teams managing absences and momentum going in opposite directions. Utah is rebuilding and short on bodies, stuck in a four-game road slide and 3-16 away from home. Cleveland, close to a 30-10 record, is steadier, deeper, and usually ruthless on its home floor. Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM ET.

This is more than a routine midseason game. It’s a snapshot of two paths: the Jazz fighting to build habits and growth despite injuries, and the Cavaliers pushing to keep their rhythm near the top of the East.

Utah Jazz injury report: who’s in, who’s out

Utah has been hit hard by injuries, and it shows in the rotation and results. The Jazz list a long group of absences and a few key decisions for game time.

• Out: Walker Kessler (left shoulder injury recovery, likely out for season), Georges Niang (left foot, fourth metatarsal stress reaction), Elijah Harkless (G League – Two-Way), John Tonje (G League – Two-Way), Oscar Tshiebwe (G League – Two-Way)
• Questionable: Ace Bailey (left hip flexor strain)
• Probable: Jusuf Nurkic (left first MTP sprain)
• Available: Lauri Markkanen (workload management)

The big headline for Utah remains Kessler’s extended absence. Without his rim protection and easy finishes, the Jazz have to solve the paint by committee. Niang’s foot issue also strips spacing and veteran minutes from the second unit. If Bailey is cleared, his length and energy on the wing can help on the glass and in transition, but a hip strain is tricky. Expect careful management.

Nurkic’s probable tag matters. Utah’s biggest problem lately has been rebounding, including a stunning 65-31 board deficit against Charlotte. A healthy Nurkic can help close that gap. Markkanen being available gives the Jazz their best scorer and late-clock option, which they simply need to hang around.

“If Utah can’t win the glass, nothing else matters tonight.”

Cleveland Cavaliers injury report: depth carries the day

The Cavaliers are not fully healthy either, but their core has stayed intact. That’s why they have kept winning.

• Out: Dean Wade (left knee contusion), Larry Nance Jr. (right calf strain), Max Strus (left foot, Jones fracture surgery), Luke Travers (G League – Two-Way), Chris Livingston (G League – Two-Way)

Even with those absences, Cleveland leans on a sturdy top group. Donovan Mitchell headlines the attack at 26.0 points per game, with Darius Garland (17.1 PPG, 6.3 APG) steering the offense. Evan Mobley provides two-way balance up front (12.9 PPG, 6.1 RPG), and Jaylon Tyson has emerged as a real help on the wing (14.1 PPG, 6.0 RPG). It’s a clean, balanced mix of shot creation, size, and effort plays.

Cleveland’s edge is consistency. Even without Strus’ shooting or Wade’s size, the Cavs roll out steady lineups that don’t beat themselves. That’s a tough puzzle for a short-handed Jazz group still learning to close quarters and control runs on the road.

“Cleveland’s depth is the quiet advantage no one is talking about.”

Key players and matchups: Jazz vs Cavaliers

Utah will ride its top two scorers. Keyonte George has taken on a big load this season (22.3 PPG, 6.3 APG). He will need both buckets and table-setting to keep Utah in rhythm. Lauri Markkanen (19.1 PPG, 5.7 RPG) stretches the floor and can pick on switches. Their two-man game must be sharp, especially late in the shot clock.

For Cleveland, Mitchell is the fire starter. He gets downhill, draws help, and sets the tone. Garland’s pace and reads help limit empty trips. Mobley’s length and timing show up in simple ways: contesting shots, squeezing rebounds, and making the extra pass. Tyson’s rise adds a reliable wing body who rebounds his spot and can hit timely shots.

The swing area is the glass. Utah’s recent rebounding problems are glaring. If Nurkic is active and mobile, he and Markkanen must box out and finish plays. One-and-done defensive stands are the only way to slow Cleveland’s crowd-fueled runs.

“Mitchell vs. George is the test of where the Jazz really are.”

How injuries may shape the game plan

Without Kessler and Niang, Utah likely leans on pace, space, and quick decisions. Expect more touches for George and Markkanen early to set tempo and confidence. If Bailey plays, he can help switch across positions and add some juice in the open floor. Every extra possession matters for a team thin on proven scorers.

Cleveland, on the other hand, can be patient. With Mitchell and Garland controlling the game, the Cavs don’t have to chase. They can pressure the ball, force long twos, and trust their structure. If Utah’s defensive board breaks down, the Cavs will pile up second-chance points and corner threes.

Form and stakes: a tale of two directions

Utah enters at 11-29, and the 3-16 road mark underlines how hard it has been to string stops in tough arenas. The Jazz are working through a rebuild and injuries at the same time, which often means short runs, then droughts, and a heavy lift for young guards.

Cleveland is near 30-10 and looks the part. Even with a few rotation pieces out, the Cavs’ identity travels: strong guard play, solid defense, and a bench that holds the line. At home, that formula gets an extra push.

What will decide Jazz vs Cavaliers tonight?

• Rebounding: Utah must hold the margin to within reach. If the Cavs dominate the glass, the game gets one-sided fast.
• Turnovers: The Jazz cannot give Cleveland easy run-outs. Secure passes and smart spacing are key.
• Late-game shot creation: Mitchell has been elite at closing time. Utah needs George and Markkanen to match composed looks.
• Bench minutes: Cleveland’s second unit has been steady. Utah has to find a surprise spark to keep pace.

Availability recap and tip-off

Final check before 7:00 PM ET:

Utah Jazz

• Out: Walker Kessler, Georges Niang, Elijah Harkless (Two-Way), John Tonje (Two-Way), Oscar Tshiebwe (Two-Way)
• Questionable: Ace Bailey (left hip flexor strain)
• Probable: Jusuf Nurkic (left first MTP sprain)
• Available: Lauri Markkanen (workload management)

Cleveland Cavaliers

• Out: Dean Wade (left knee contusion), Larry Nance Jr. (right calf strain), Max Strus (left foot, Jones fracture surgery), Luke Travers (Two-Way), Chris Livingston (Two-Way)

As always, monitor any last-minute changes near warm-ups. But on paper, Cleveland’s core is intact, and Utah is still piecing it together. That doesn’t mean there’s no path for the Jazz. It does mean the margin for error is thin, and the first quarter matters more than usual.

Bottom line: If Utah can rebound, protect the ball, and get star-level nights from George and Markkanen, the Jazz can make this a game. If Cleveland sets the tone early and leans on its depth, the Cavs will be tough to crack at home.

Either way, we’ll learn a lot about where the Jazz are in their build, and whether the Cavaliers can keep churning out wins while banged up. That’s a clear January test for both sides.