Utah Jazz Announce Atypical Starting Lineup For Game Against Raptors

SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Jazz announced an atypical starting lineup for the team’s game against the Eastern Conference’s Toronto Raptors.

The Raptors hosted the Jazz on Friday, January 7.

Starting lineup vs. Raptors

Guard – Jared Butler

Guard – Trent Forrest

Forward – Elijah Hughes

Forward – Eric Paschall

Center – Hassan Whiteside

First career start for both @j_hooper11 and @elijahhughes4_ 🥺#TakeNote | @ZionsBank pic.twitter.com/LKOYrgCwwJ

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) January 8, 2022

Available bench players:

• Udoka Azubuike
• Malik Fitts
• Danuel House
• Norvel Pelle

The @utahjazz are now saying Rudy Gay will not be available tonight.

So that leaves the team with nine healthy players. Just enough for a normal rotation. https://t.co/PXm7e5MNbA

— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) January 8, 2022

Shorthanded Jazz

The Jazz arrived in Canada extremely shorthanded with both Joe Ingles and Rudy Gobert entering the NBA’s health and safety protocol earlier in the week.

Additionally, Donovan Mitchell, Bojan Bogdanovic, and Mike Conley all missed the game with various ailments and didn’t travel to Toronto.

Jordan Clarkson, Rudy Gay, and Royce O’Neale were also listed as “OUT” for the game.

REVISED*

OUT – Rudy Gay (Right Heel Injury recovery) https://t.co/OMDI2tcksg

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) January 8, 2022

Players who show a positive COVID test in Canada are forced to remain in the country for two weeks before they clear protocol, thus the Jazz opted to keep several players stateside rather than flying to Toronto.

Prior to the game in Toronto, Utah signed Pelle to a hardship contract and House to a 10-day deal.

Utah’s game against Toronto is broadcast on AT&T SportsNet, NBA League Pass, and The Zone Sports Network.