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SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - NOVEMBER 30: Ace Bailey #19 of the Utah Jazz looks on before the game against the Houston Rockets at Delta Center on November 30, 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
With a matchup between the Utah Jazz and the New York Knicks looming, the rookie Ace Bailey received positive news heading into the game.
According to the Jazz’s official injury report, Bailey is cleared for action. The young standout recently missed time due to an illness.
For Bailey, it was his first absence since the Jazz’s January 10 game against the Charlotte Hornets. Since then, he has resumed his role as a full-time starter with the rebuilding franchise.
Ace Bailey’s Second Battle Against The New York Knicks
Utah Jazz forward Ace Bailey
GettySALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – OCTOBER 13: Ace Bailey #19 of the Utah Jazz dribbles the ball past P.J. Washington #25 of the Dallas Mavericks during the first half of the preseason game on October 13, 2025 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
The Knicks and the Jazz meet twice a year. Their first battle took place on December 5.
At the time, Bailey checked in for 33 minutes of action. He made 38% of his shots from the field to score 13 points. Beyond his scoring, Bailey came down with five rebounds, while collecting one steal and blocking one shot.
The Knicks took care of business against the Jazz, collecting a 146-112 victory. It was one of the more lopsided matchups of the year.
A Look At Ace Bailey’s Rookie Effort
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 05: Ace Bailey #19 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on December 05, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
In mid-November, Bailey became a full-time starter for the Jazz. At this point, he’s got 48 starts under his belt. Seeing the court for an average of 28.5 minutes per game, the rookie is averaging 12.4 points this season.
Bailey is shooting the ball 44% from the field. While taking 4.8 threes per game, Bailey is knocking down his deep shots at a 33% clip.
Outside of the scoring department, Bailey is coming down with 4.0 rebounds per game, while producing 1.7 assists per game.
Entering the NBA through the 2025 draft, Bailey was one of the most prominent prospects. He gained steam as a potential top 3 pick. The NBA world knew the Dallas Mavericks would take Cooper Flagg out of Duke. Bailey’s Rutgers teammate Dylan Harper was a sure pick for the San Antonio Spurs at No. 2.
The Philadelphia 76ers were initially linked to Bailey, but a strange pre-draft process caused the Rutgers forward to fall out of favor within the City of Brotherly Love. The 76ers went with VJ Edgecombe out of Baylor over Bailey.
The Charlotte Hornets passed up on Bailey as well. Kon Knueppel, out of Duke, landed the fourth spot, while the Jazz called on Bailey.
While Bailey hasn’t lived up to the early pre-draft hype by being competitive in the Rookie of the Year race, the Jazz have seen some solid flashes out of the young prospect. Being in a low-pressure situation this year, Bailey has plenty of opportunities in front of him down the final stretch of the 2025-2026 NBA season.
The rookie’s season picks back up against the Knicks at home on Wednesday. The game is slated for a 9 PM ET tip.