The first thoughts when assessing the tone of the Jazz have to be directed to their current roster. Utah is years removed from a real shot at competitive basketball. Positive progress will follow strong players, and at the moment, most of Utah's valuable pieces are either on rookie contracts, or were unmoved at the trade deadline.

When the Jazz are referred to as a rebuilding team from those who are on the outside looking in, those who are on the inside are quick to make a correction to that narrative. The Jazz do not view the 2024-25 season as the third year of a rebuild. Instead, they see it as part of the teardown. In their eyes, the rebuild hasn’t started.

Minnesota's Donte DiVincenzo had broken free on the perimeter and drove right into the heart of the paint. Collins was there to meet him, causing DiVincenzo to lose the ball on a layup attempt and secure Utah's 117-116 win over the Timberwolves Friday at the Delta Center.

The Utah Jazz have not won on the road in more than two months, but they have a reasonable opportunity to break that skid Sunday against the injury-riddled Philadelphia 76ers.

On Wednesday, it was another long injury report for the Utah Jazz. Lauri Markkanen, John Collins, Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson and Walker Kessler all missed the contest in the nation's capital. Even Keyonte George joined the seemingly ever-growing list — though the reason (illness) was likely more legitimate.

John Collins, in the midst of a tremendous season for the Jazz, won the game for Utah with a last second stop. Plus, thoughts on Mike Conley's career and the odds of the Minnesota pick turning out favorably for the Jazz.

According to the 76ers injury report, they'll be without Paul George in the lineup vs. the Jazz as he deals with a groin injury. The team announced that George will also be out of the action during their follow-up contest against the Atlanta Hawks in a back-to-back on Monday.

Walker Kessler had a go-ahead dunk with 9.7 seconds left to help the Utah Jazz beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 117-116, snapping a six-game losing streak in the series.

Utah is looking to break its nine-game road losing streak with a victory against Washington. Wednesday's meeting is the first of the season between the two squads.

In 51 games played, George has averaged 16.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 5.9 assists, shooting 39.7% shooting from the field. Following the All-Star break, the sophomore has made some considerable noise, posting 18.1 points a night making 43.1% of his shots from deep.

The Timberwolves shot 21-of-38 (55.3 percent) from three in the Jan. 30 meeting, which was a 138-113 victory for Minnesota. Utah’s defensive gameplan is focused on limiting shot attempts at the rim, which has opened up vulnerabilities on the perimeter.