Olynyk Returns As Jazz Face Shorthanded Warriors

SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Jazz will be at full strength as Kelly Olynyk returns to the lineup when they travel to face the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night.

Olynyk has missed the team’s last four games with an ankle injury but was upgraded to available early Wednesday morning.

The Warriors meanwhile will be without Stephen Curry for the seventh straight game with a shoulder injury.

Wings Andrew Wiggins and Klay Thompson also won’t suit up for Golden State.

Jazz Have Missed Olynyk

The Jazz went 2-2 in their four games without Kelly Olynyk, and the veteran’s center absence was most apparent in Monday night’s loss to the San Antonio Spurs.

Both Walker Kessler and Jarred Vanderbilt found themselves in foul trouble against the Spurs leaving themselves extra shorthanded in the frontcourt without their usual starter.

Kelly Olynyk is available tonight for the @utahjazz:

UPDATED Jazz Injury Report (as of 12/28):

*AVAILABLE – Kelly Olynyk (left ankle sprain)

OUT – Johnny Juzang (G League – Two-Way)

OUT – Micah Potter (G League – Two-Way)#TakeNote

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 28, 2022

For the season the Jazz own the fourth-best offensive rating in the NBA but saw that number dip to 13th over the last four games with Oklynyk off the floor.

The 31-year-old center is averaging 12.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, and a career-high 3.2 assists while shooting a personal best 43 percent from the three-point line.

The Jazz meanwhile have struggled as a whole on the road. The team is just 2-11 in their last 13 games away from Salt Lake City.

Warriors Nearly Unbeatable At Home

While the Jazz have struggled on the road, the Warriors have been nearly unbeatable at home this season.

Despite owning a 17-18 record overall, Golden State is 14-2 this season when playing at Chase Center, and just 3-16 when playing on the road.

The Warriors own the second-best defensive rating in the NBA when playing at home and the 15th-best offensive rating.

On the road, the Warriors own the 29th-ranked defensive rating and the 20th-ranked offensive rating.

The Warriors will be on the second night of back-to-back games after beating the Charlotte Hornets 110-105 on Tuesday night at home.

Utah Jazz vs. Golden State Warriors Broadcast

The Utah Jazz and Golden State Warriors will tip off at 8 pm MT in San Francisco. The game will be televised on AT&T SportsNet and can be heard on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone. It can also be streamed on DirecTV Stream and FuboTV.

Follow @benshoops