Isaiah

Collier

While Keyonte George’s ankle injury did not result in a start for Collier, his role did take on added importance. The Jazz guard had an efficient night, shooting 4-of-4 from three and committing two turnovers before fouling out. If George misses more time, Collier will be worth a look in deep leagues, even if his shooting against the Heat wasn’t his norm.

George sprained his right ankle during Sunday’s loss to the Timberwolves and did not return. His absence means the Jazz will have to rely more on Darryn Peterson and Isaiah Collier.

George sprained his right ankle early in the third quarter and has since returned to the locker room. With their starting point guard done for the night, the Jazz will rely more on Isaiah Collier and Darryn Peterson.

George is now questionable after not appearing on Utah’s initial injury report. If he can’t play, Isaiah Collier and Darryn Peterson stand to gain the most in playmaking responsibilities.

Peterson has scored in double figures in each of Utah’s last three games. Against the Trail Blazers, he wasn’t at his best, committing three turnovers, but the rookie guard still finished with a full stat line. Peterson played the entire fourth quarter, sharing the court with Keyonte George (8/3/4/1) for seven minutes and Isaiah Collier (8/1/4/2) for the other five. According to Cleaning the Glass, Peterson has played 90% of his minutes at shooting guard thus far. That split appears unlikely to change anytime soon, which may lower his fantasy ceiling.

Peterson was the lone Jazz starter to see any action after halftime, logging nine minutes in the third quarter. The Jazz inserted Isaiah Collier (11 points, three rebounds, six assists, five steals, and one three-pointer) to start the second half, suggesting they currently view Peterson solely as a two-guard. His taking that role when he’s on the floor with Keyonte George isn’t a surprise, but Peterson may not get many point guard minutes when Utah’s PG1 sits.

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.

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

Collier remains out for an eighth straight game, which should allow EJ Harkless to continue to start in his place, if he’s available. Harkless missed Utah’s last game and is questionable again. Kennedy Chandler (hamstring) started on Monday and could start again if Harkless remains out and Utah keeps him around on another 10-day deal.

Monday’s game will be the seventh Collier has missed due to a hamstring injury. The Jazz will continue to count on EJ Harkless, who played 27 minutes as the starting point guard in Saturday’s loss to the Suns. Bez Mbeng will provide depth off the bench.