This meeting between the Utah Jazz and Washington Wizards has very little to do with who comes out victorious, and everything to do with the team that comes up short.
Take a gander at the bottom of the NBA standings, a forbidden realm that few dare enter unarmed, where the worst of the NBA gathers together to battle for the slight chance that their number will be called and delivered the chance to select the future of the NBA as a member of their roster.
Washington is a long-tenured resident of this forsaken corner of the basketball world, and the current leader in the race for last place. Utah, in their third season in the apocalyptic zone of rebuilding, now has a chance to weaken the Wizards' stranglehold on the top lottery odds.
NBA Standings - March 5, 2025
27. New Orleans Pelicans - 17-45
28. Utah Jazz - 15-46
29. Charlotte Hornets - 14-46
30. Washington Wizards - 11-49
Three and a half games between these two teams, and two more scheduled games between them, each team holds their lottery destiny in their hands.
It's no wonder why Utah's injury report is longer than Spongebob Squarepants' to-do list -- this is not a game the Jazz are keen on finishing on top. And recent history suggests they're prepared to do just that, as they've lost their last nine road games and mark this contest as their first departure from Salt Lake City in the past nine matchups.
Washington has won two of its last four appearances, and enters a home game that should favor them, despite their less optimal record.
Like cheering on a race between snails, the beginning may be thrilling and gripping, but the longer these two slow-pokes run, the less interesting the result becomes. Two of the worst three teams in the NBA tip off on Wednesday night under the watch of very few.
Matchups to watch in this one are the lines tied between opposing rookies. Reigning Western Conference Player of the Month, Isaiah Collier, will match up with Bub Carrington, an often overlooked point guard with a unique scoring blend.
Kyle Filipowski may match up against second-pick Alex Sarr to see if second round is really less than number two.
Even Cody Williams may enjoy a career night against one of basketball's least effective defenses.
Utah Jazz vs Washington Wizards Injury Report
Utah Jazz Injuries: Collin Sexton - Out
Keyonte George - Game-time decision
Jaden Springer - Out
Elijah Harkless - Out
John Collins - Out
Washington Wizards Injuries: Jordan Poole - Out
Richaun Holmes - Game-time decision
Malcolm Brogdon - Out
Kyshawn George - Game-time decision
Saddiq Bey - Out
This game tips off at 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time and will be televised on KJZZ and SEG+.
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This story was originally published March 5, 2025 at 1:15 PM.