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Star center Rudy Gobert remains questionable for the matchup against one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference, due to the ankle he sprained on Tuesday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Gobert didn't practice on Wednesday and didn't participate in Thursday morning's shootaround. On Tuesday night, he told The Tribune he didn't think the injury was serious. He's been going through treatment in an effort to prepare, but it will likely come down to what the training staff decides in the moments before the game.
If Gobert can't play tonight, expect Derrick Favors to start at center, while Trevor Booker will probably start at power forward. Expect the Jazz to employ their three-wing alignment a bit more, and expect Jeff Withey to get some action as well.
Gobert's potential absence poses issues, because the Heat have Hassan Whiteside, one of the most athletic big men in the NBA, a shot blocker and a finisher around the rim. He's averaging a double-double so far this season and would cause problems for the Jazz with his size and ability around the rim.
Utah enters the matchup with a 4-3 record, after stretching Cleveland to the limit on Tuesday night. The Jazz led by as many as nine points in the fourth quarter before losing in the final moments.
This could be an important game for Utah simply for the sake of not wanting to start a losing streak. The road trip doesn't get any easier. The Jazz face the Orlando Magic - an improved team - on Friday, in what will be the tail end of a back-to-back. Sunday's matchup is at the Atlanta Hawks, who look every bit as potent as the team that won 60 games last season and advanced to the Eastern Conference finals.
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The Jazz will face one of the banner rookies in the NBA on Thursday night, in Justise Winslow, the 6-foot-6 small forward out of Duke University. Winslow has quickly worked his way into Miami's rotation and has made himself a standout for his defense and his athleticism. The Heat haven't hesitated in allowing the rookie to guard the elite wings of the NBA. He will get another test tonight when he faces Gordon Hayward. Winslow is still spotty as a shooter - improvement there is needed - but he's been very good off the dribble and has served as a complement to veteran teammates Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade.
Tony Jones