The Minnesota Timberwolves head into January 20 with almost a full deck, while the Utah Jazz will try to patch together a rotation on the second night of a back-to-back. The headline: Lauri Markkanen remains out due to illness, leaving Utah without its best scorer and most reliable finisher for a fifth straight game. For Minnesota, Rudy Gobert and Anthony Edwards are set to go, and Naz Reid—initially questionable—has been cleared.

On paper, it tilts toward the 27–16 Timberwolves against a 14–29 Jazz team stretched thin by injuries and illness. But games aren’t played on paper. The Jazz have shown fight this year, and they’ll have to again with a short frontcourt and a star guard trying to carry the load.

Markkanen sidelined again—and why it matters

Markkanen is the core of Utah’s offense. He’s averaging 27.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists this season on 48.3% shooting from the field and 36.5% from three. Those are All-Star numbers. Take them off the floor, and Utah loses spacing, late-clock options, and a go-to release valve when a possession stalls.

This will be his fifth consecutive absence due to illness, and he is not expected back until at least January 22. It’s his longest layoff of the season, and it forces coach Will Hardy to rework the shot map and crunch-time plan. Without Markkanen’s gravity, Utah must create chances by committee.

“No Markkanen again—who steps up for Utah now?”

Utah’s injury list is long—and growing

It’s not just Markkanen. The Jazz have a crowded unavailable list that trims their depth and experience:

• Georges Niang (left foot stress reaction) — out until at least January 27
• Brice Sensabaugh (illness) — out until at least January 22
• Walker Kessler (left shoulder) — out for the season
• Kevin Love (rest)
• Elijah Harkless (G League), John Tonje (G League), Oscar Tshiebwe (G League)

Utah is also navigating fatigue after a loss to the Spurs on January 19. Back-to-backs test legs and decision-making, especially for young contributors and bigs asked to play extra minutes.

Who plays more: Filipowski, Hendricks, and Williams

With so many frontcourt absences, the Jazz will lean on Kyle Filipowski, Taylor Hendricks, and Cody Williams. They bring energy and size, but they are still learning the league and the speed of the game. Their minutes matter tonight—on the glass, in pick-and-roll coverage, and with corner threes that can swing momentum.

Without Kessler’s rim protection and with Love resting, Utah must rebound as a unit and be sharp in help defense. One missed box-out or slow rotation can turn into a quick 6–0 run against a Timberwolves team that punishes mistakes.

“This should be a Gobert–Reid clinic on the glass.”

Timberwolves health check: near full strength

Minnesota’s update is short and sweet. Rudy Gobert is off the injury report and will play. Anthony Edwards is also good to go after dropping 55 against the Spurs in his last big outing; he’s averaging 23.8 points per game. Naz Reid, who was listed as questionable, is now available. Reid’s stretch shooting—39% from three on just over six attempts per game—has become a quiet game-changer for Minnesota’s second unit and clutch lineups.

The Wolves will be without Terrence Shannon Jr. (left foot abductor hallucis strain) and two-way center Rocco Zikarsky (G League), but the core is intact. That stability shows in the record: 27–16 and trending toward the top of the West’s crowded middle tier.

How the matchup could play out

Expect Minnesota to test Utah’s paint early. Gobert’s screening and rolls force help, which opens corner threes for Reid and lanes for Edwards. If the Jazz collapse, Edwards’ driving kick-outs can spark a three-point barrage. If they stay home, Gobert can eat on lobs and putbacks.

For Utah, the answer is pace and spacing. Quick outlets, drive-and-kick, and early threes can keep them from trying to finish over Gobert. Every possession that avoids a set half-court against Minnesota’s size is a small win.

The Keyonte George factor

Utah’s best path is a hot night from Keyonte George. The guard scored 30 points against the Spurs on January 19 and is averaging 24.8 points per game. Without Markkanen, George’s usage and shot volume rise. He can bend the defense, get to the line, and keep the scoreboard moving when Utah’s half-court stalls.

But George also needs help. With Niang and Sensabaugh sidelined, the Jazz lose two shooting threats. That puts more pressure on cutters, screeners, and young wings to hit open looks. If the threes fall early, it can steady Utah’s rotation and keep legs fresh deeper into the game.

“If George heats up early, this stays interesting.”

Fatigue watch and small margins

The back-to-back matters. Tired legs show up at the rim and at the arc—missed layups, short jumpers, late closeouts. Minnesota will try to make Utah defend deep into the clock, then crash the glass. Second-chance points and turnover margin could decide this one more than highlight plays.

For Utah, the goal is to keep the game close into the fourth, then see who can make the last five shots. Composure and clean possessions are everything when depth is thin.

What each side needs

• Timberwolves: Attack the paint, win the boards, and let Edwards control the pace. Trust Reid’s spacing to stretch Utah’s smaller lineups.
• Jazz: Push tempo, get George in rhythm, and get production from Filipowski, Hendricks, and Williams. Win the hustle plays that add up: loose balls, charges, and contested rebounds.

Outlook and what’s next

Minnesota has the edge with health, size, and star power. Utah’s route is effort, shot-making, and a big George performance. The Jazz are fighting the schedule and the injury sheet, but they’ve been scrappy. If they keep turnovers low and hit threes, they can make this a game late.

All eyes turn to Markkanen’s status going forward. He’s out again tonight and is not expected back until at least January 22. Until then, the Jazz will keep leaning on youth, energy, and George’s scoring to stay afloat. The Timberwolves, with Gobert, Edwards, and Reid ready, will look to bank another win and build momentum for a busy stretch ahead.