Utah Jazz: George Hill OUT; Lakers Game a Battle of the Walking Wounded
The Utah Jazz will be without George Hill when they take on the Los Angeles Lakers, but they’re not the only team that’s hurting.
Benjamin Franklin once said, “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes. Meanwhile, hoops fans in Salt Lake City can tell you about a third certainty that exists in the world. Namely, injuries laying waste to the Utah Jazz roster (and, subsequently, their season).
Utah’s key offseason acquisition, George Hill, has already missed 10 games due to injury this season. With the Jazz in So-Cal to take on Los Angeles Lakers, that mark will hit 11 by night’s end. Hill reportedly did not travel with the team as he continues to nurse a sprained toe.
Dante Exum should get the start once again in Hill’s absence. Last time out, Exum scored 10 points in 22 minutes of play while Shelvin Mack provided spark off the bench, scoring eight points to go with four assists and two steals. Look for the Jazz to follow the same plan of attack against L.A.
In the meantime, Hill being MIA continues to be a major thorn in the side of the Jazz. He’s averaging 20 points, four assists and nearly four rebounds per game this season. More recently, though, he’s joined Derrick Favors (knee bone contusion) and Alec Burks (ankle rehab) as a full-time member of the team’s scratch list.
Utah is just 4-6 when he sits.
However, the Jazz aren’t the only squad entering the contest shorthanded. In fact, Monday’s Jazz-Lakers affair has suddenly become a battle of the walking wounded. In total, seven players will be out of commission between the two clubs.
The Lake Show will be without D’Angelo Russell, Nick Young, Larry Nance Jr. and Jose Calderon. Russell and Nance are each dealing with knee issues, while Young has a calf strain and Calderon is dealing with hamstring issues.
That’s nearly 42 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists per game missing from Lakers coach Luke Walton’s lineup.
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While I’m not one to wish ill will on any team, the Lakers couldn’t have picked a better time to be injured. With a showdown against Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and the Golden State Warriors on December 8 looming, the Jazz could use a break or two along the way.
The Jazz and Lakers tip-off from Staples Center at 8:30 PM MDT on Monday night.
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