Walker Kessler Out As Jazz Host Suns To Open Cup Play
Nov 12, 2024, 2:20 PM
SALT LAKE CITY—The Utah Jazz will be without Walker Kessler when they host the Phoenix Suns in the first game of the Emirates NBA Cup.
Kessler was ruled out with hip soreness after shootaround on Tuesday morning.
Cup games will be played on Tuesday and Friday nights through December 3.
Jazz Center Kessler Out Against Suns In NBA Cup Play
Kessler has been one of the Jazz’s most consistent players through their difficult 2-7 start to the season.
The third-year center is averaging 9.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks in a team-high nine starts.
Walker Kessler is out tonight for the @utahjazz, while Keyonte George is listed as probable against the @suns. #Takenote | @kslsports
— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) November 12, 2024
Kessler was not on the floor late in the Jazz’s most recent win over the San Antonio Spurs.
In his place, rookie Kyle Filipowski took a starring role recording eight points, five rebounds, and six assists in the victory.
Related: Filipowski Helps Jazz Close Out Spurs
The first-year Jazzman will likely see increased playing time against Phoenix with Kessler and Taylor Hendricks out of the lineup.
What Is The Emirates Cup?
The NBA Cup features all 30 NBA franchises competing to earn a spot in the eight-team single-elimination tournament.
Pool play consists of six five-team groups, separated by conference, but not by the league’s existing divisions.
The winner of each group, plus two wildcard teams, will then advance to the eight-team single-elimination tournament.
The NBA unveiled the alternate court the @utahjazz will play on during this year’s NBA Cup tournament.
Get the first glimpse of it here! #takenote https://t.co/nxazNk7SUI
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 24, 2024
The Jazz are paired with the Suns, the Los Angeles Lakers, the San Antonio Spurs, and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
In addition to hosting Phoenix, the Jazz will also welcome the Spurs to the Delta Center as part of Cup play on November 26.
Related: See Jazz’s Custom NBA Cup Court Here
The Jazz will travel to face the Lakers on November 19th, and will complete group play on December 3rd against the Thunder.
Teams that advance past the first round of the eight-team single-elimination round will complete the tournament at a neutral site in Las Vegas beginning December 7, with players on the winning team each earning $500,000.
The four Cup games will be counted toward a team’s regular season record.
Jazz Injuries
PROBABLE – Keyonte George (foot sprain)
OUT – Walker Kessler (hip soreness)
OUT – Taylor Hendricks (fibular fracture)
Suns Injuries
QUESTIONABLE – Jusuf Nurkic (ankle soreness)
OUT – Kevin Durant (calf strain)
OUT – Collin Gillespie (ankle fracture)
How To Watch, Stream Jazz Vs. Suns
The Jazz will host the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday at 7 p.m. MST. The game will be televised on KJZZ, streamed on Jazz+, and heard on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone.
Are you on Threads yet? Let’s connect, give us a follow @kslsports.
Ben Anderson is the Utah Jazz insider for KSL Sports and the co-host of Jake and Ben from 10-12p with Jake Scott on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone. Find Ben on Twitter at @BensHoops or on Instagram @BensHoops.
