Bez

Mbeng

Mbeng played all 48 minutes for the second time in his last three games. During this stretch, he averaged 22.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 7.7 assists and 4.3 steals in 44.7 minutes per game. It has been an impressive run for Mbeng, who signed standard contract last week after playing on two 10-day deals. However, if they do keep him around next season, he won’t play that large of a role.

The continued absences of Harkless and Collier free up minutes for Bez Mbeng and Hayden Gray, with Gray having agreed to a rest-of-season contract on Saturday. Kennedy Chandler, who played 41 minutes in Friday’s win over the Grizzlies, is a free agent after his second 10-day contract expired.

Mbeng signed a two-year deal with the Jazz last week, and after being a rotation piece for a few weeks, he has played big minutes over their last two games. He played well as a starter on Tuesday, and he was even better as a reserve in this game. He was one of three players to record a triple-double in this game, including two off the bench for Utah. Mbeng went undrafted after playing four years at Yale and is perhaps playing himself into a lengthy career.

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.

For a player not selected in the 2025 NBA Draft, it’s highly unlikely that Mbeng would complain about playing too much. The rookie guard was on the floor for all 48 minutes, and he finished with season-highs in points and steals. Given where the Jazz are in the standings, Mbeng will play plenty in Utah’s final two games. And those are two more opportunities to show that he deserves a longer look from the Jazz in the summer.

The Jazz are without Ace Bailey for Tuesday’s game, as a right knee contusion has sidelined him. As a result, Mbeng moves into the starting lineup and should play significant minutes.

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.

Mbeng had two 10-day contracts with Utah, but finally has landed a full NBA deal. The contract is two-years for the 22-year-old shooting guard. Mbeng had seven points in 23 minutes off the bench in Wednesday’s loss to the Nuggets.