How far the Utah Jazz are from the expectations raised by the signing of Jaren Jackson Jr. Of course, his injury hurts. Even so, it is no good enough excuse for being the worst team in the NBA. Across from them, a very serious Timberwolves side, even without Anthony Edwards.
Timberwolves vs Jazz date and time
Date: 8 November 2026, in the early hours of the 9th in UK time.
Time: These are the Timberwolves vs Jazz start times by time zone.
| United Kingdom | 00:00 |
| Dominican Republic, USA (Boston, New York and Miami), Puerto Rico and Venezuela | 19:00 |
| Mexico (central), USA (Texas and Chicago), El Salvador, Costa Rica and Nicaragua | 17:00 |
| Mexico (Pacific) and USA (Los Angeles) | 15:00 |
| Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay | 20:00 |
| Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Panama | 18:00 |
Venue: Target Center, Minneapolis (Minnesota)
Timberwolves vs Jazz starting fives
Without Anthony Edwards, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jusuf Nurkic; Lauri Markkanen doubtful.
| TIMBERWOLVES | JAZZ |
| LaMelo Ball | Keyonte George |
| Ayo Dosumnu | Darryn Peterson |
| Jonathan Kuminga | Ace Bailey |
| Jaden McDaniels | Lauri Markkanen/Josh Okogie |
| Rudy Gobert | Jaxson Hayes |
Timberwolves vs Jazz: best bet
Minnesota are clear favourites to win the game. The Timberwolves have won their last three outings and are at home against an opponent in a very poor run of form. The gap in defensive level and the physical superiority of the home side’s big men should shape the game. Utah, moreover, are particularly hampered by the absences in their frontcourt.
Latest Timberwolves news: injuries and form
- Out: Anthony Edwards, Donte DiVincenzo
- Doubtful: Joan Beringer.
The Timberwolves have managed to overcome significant absences from their squad with a very convincing start to the season. Chris Finch’s side have a 7-3 record and three consecutive wins, the latest against the New Orleans Pelicans by 115-109.
The addition of LaMelo Ball is working especially well. The point guard brings creativity, speed and the ability to create advantages, while Ayo Dosunmu and Jaden McDaniels have taken on greater scoring responsibility in Edwards’ absence.
Special mention also goes to Rudy Gobert, who remains the team’s main defensive reference point (despite the physical decline he shows at the other end of the court). Minnesota rank second in the NBA in defensive rating and have found in offensive rebounding an additional source of points. That aspect could prove decisive against a Jazz side that has been struggling badly to protect its own basket.
Player to watch: LaMelo Ball
The point guard has been one of the great pieces of good news for these Timberwolves. His arrival has allowed the team to maintain a very high offensive level even without Anthony Edwards, becoming the main organiser of the attack.
He comes off 22 points and eight assists against New Orleans, showing he can take the lead when his team needs it most. Against a Utah defence that is conceding too many easy chances and piling up turnovers, his ability to speed up the game and find open teammates could make the difference.
Latest Jazz news: injuries and form
- Out: Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jusuf Nurkic.
- Doubtful: Lauri Markkanen.
The Jazz have started on the wrong foot entirely. With a 1-8 record, Will Hardy’s side have lost seven in a row and are showing major problems maintaining consistency over the full 48 minutes.
Their last outing ended in a 112-100 defeat to Dallas. Beyond the result, two of their main weaknesses were again evident: turnovers and protecting the defensive glass. Utah gave the ball away 21 times and allowed 21 offensive rebounds to the Mavericks, numbers that are hard to sustain against a side as physical as Minnesota.
The absence of Jaren Jackson Jr. is also hugely limiting their ability to protect the paint. If Markkanen cannot play either, the Jazz will lose a good part of their scoring ability and one of their main arguments for competing.
Player to watch: Keyonte George
If Minnesota can struggle anywhere, it is defending the three-pointer after a direct screen and sequences that pull Gobert away from the rim, as he has started at a fairly low level. Keyonte George is now by right the Jazz’s most important player, both in creating and in scoring.
Timberwolves vs Jazz: head-to-head record
Minnesota have dominated the most recent head-to-head meetings between the two franchises. The Timberwolves won three of the four games played during the 2025-26 season, including a emphatic 147-111 victory at the Target Center on 18 March.
Timberwolves vs Jazz predictions
Minnesota Timberwolves to win by more than 10.5 points. The hosts arrive in completely opposite form to Utah. They have won their last three games and have a far more solid defence. The Jazz, meanwhile, have lost seven in a row and are having enormous difficulty protecting the glass. The gap between the two teams should end up showing on the scoreboard.
LaMelo Ball over 7.5 assists. The point guard has become Minnesota’s main playmaker in Anthony Edwards’ absence. He comes off dishing out eight assists against the Pelicans and will face a defence that is struggling particularly to contain penetration and advantage situations. If he maintains his offensive prominence, he has a good chance of surpassing this line.
Utah Jazz under 109.5 points. The visitors are averaging barely 106.9 points per game and will face one of the best defences in the league. The absence of Jaren Jackson Jr. and the possible absence of Lauri Markkanen complicate their offensive options even further. Moreover, Minnesota are conceding only 107.7 points per game, so it looks difficult for Utah to reach a high score.
Where to watch Timberwolves vs Jazz
The Minnesota Timberwolves vs Utah Jazz game will be available in the UK through an NBA League Pass subscription.
