Kennedy

Chandler

Gray joins the Jazz after averaging 10.5 points and 6.6 assists per game with the Maine Celtics of the NBA G League. With Kennedy Chandler’s second 10-day contract expiring, the 6-foot-4 guard out of UC San Diego may play rotation minutes in Sunday’s season finale against the Lakers.

Playing against his former team, Chandler was able to put together another strong performance in his second start of the season. He set a new season high for assists and triples and has now scored in double figures in nine of his 11 appearances this season. Unfortunately, Chandler won’t play in Utah’s final game of the regular season since his 10-day contract expired after this game.

Kyle Filipowski and Brice Sensabaugh are out for Friday’s game, freeing up spots in the starting lineup for Bailey and Hinson. The other change to the lineup is Chandler, who starts with Bez Mbeng coming off the bench.

Utah’s backcourt has been decimated by injuries, which means Kennedy Chandler and Bez Mbeng should pick up substantial minutes.

Harkless has missed Utah’s last five games, but he could be back on Friday. If available, his return may not significantly reduce the minutes available to Bez Mbeng and Kennedy Chandler, as the Jazz will remain extremely shorthanded.

Chandler came off the bench on Tuesday but still logged 43 minutes. His second 10-day contract runs through the penultimate day of the regular season, so he’ll have to be moved to a standard deal to be eligible for Utah’s April 12 finale. Against the Pelicans, the 2022 second-round pick had the best game of his NBA career. Not only did Chandler establish a new career-high with the 31 points, but this was his first game with at least 20.

Harkless will miss a fifth straight game. Kennedy Chandler and Bez Mbeng should continue to fill out the backup point guard minutes, though Utah hasn’t been starting a traditional point guard recently.

Harkless’ continued absence means more minutes for Kennedy Chandler and Bez Mbeng, with the former likely being the starter. Chandler inked his second 10-day deal on Wednesday, while Mbeng has agreed to a deal for the rest of the season. As the starter, Chandler offers a slightly higher fantasy ceiling.

Harkless will remain out for a second straight game, which means Kennedy Chandler, who signed another 10-day contract with the Jazz, should continue to start. Bez Mbeng should fill out the reserve point guard minutes behind Chandler.

Harkless missed Monday’s game, which allowed Kennedy Chandler to start. Chandler’s 10-day contract has expired, so if Utah doesn’t sign him to another one and Harkless remains out, Bez Mbeng would likely be next in line.