Utah Jazz vs Chicago Bulls (Image via Getty) The January 14, 2026 game between the Utah Jazz and the Chicago Bulls comes with a long injury list that directly affects how both teams will play. The matchup takes place in Chicago, where the Bulls are slight favorites, but the final shape of this game depends heavily on who is actually available at tip-off.Utah arrives short-handed, especially in the frontcourt, while Chicago is managing several rotation and depth concerns. With multiple questionable players on both sides, lineups could look different than expected, and in-game adjustments will matter more than usual.
Utah Jazz vs Chicago Bulls Confirmed injuries and absences (January 14, 2026)
Utah Jazz are missing several key frontcourt and depth pieces. Walker Kessler remains out while recovering from a left shoulder injury, leaving the Jazz without their top rim protector. Kevin Love is sidelined for rest after recent minutes, while Georges Niang is out with a left foot stress reaction. Elijah Harkless, John Tonje, and Oscar Tshiebwe are unavailable due to G League assignments.Chicago Bulls are also without important contributors. Zach Collins continues to miss time with lower-body issues. Julian Phillips is out with a wrist injury, and Coby White is being managed due to leg and calf problems after a heavy workload earlier in the season.
Utah Jazz vs Chicago Bulls Questionable players to monitor (January 14, 2026)
Utah Jazz’s biggest question mark is Lauri Markkanen, who is listed as questionable with an illness. If he plays, he remains the team’s main scoring option and a focal point of the offense. If he sits, Keyonte George is expected to take on even more responsibility as the primary scorer and playmaker.For Chicago Bulls, Josh Giddey is dealing with a hamstring issue, Tre Jones has an ankle problem, and Yuki Kawamura is listed with a lower-leg concern. If any of them are limited, more ball-handling duties will fall to Matas Buzelis and Ayo Dosunmu.
Jazz vs Bulls Rotation impact and likely approach
With Kessler, Love, and Niang out, Utah is likely to play smaller lineups. Jusuf Nurkić should see extended minutes at center, with possible small-ball looks if Markkanen is available.Chicago still has stability inside through Nikola Vučević, while adjusting guard rotations based on who is cleared to play.
Utah vs Chicago’s Team trends and matchup context
Utah has struggled on the road and continues to rely on younger players in a rebuilding season. Defensive consistency has been an issue, especially without Kessler. Chicago has been stronger at home and benefits from having multiple players who can create offense, even when injuries thin the backcourt.
Matchup snapshots
AspectUtah JazzChicago Bulls Key scorer Lauri Markkanen (~20 PPG, questionable) Matas Buzelis (~17 PPG) Primary playmaker Keyonte George (~24 PPG, 6–7 APG) Josh Giddey / Tre Jones Frontcourt health Kessler, Love, Niang out Vučević active, Collins out Betting angle Road underdog, thin inside Small home favorite
How to watch tonight’s Utah Jazz vs Chicago Bulls game (January 14, 2026)
The game will be played on the evening of January 14 in Chicago. It will be available on NBA League Pass for international viewers, regional broadcasts in the United States, and select streaming platforms that carry NBA coverage. Live stats and injury updates will be available through the NBA’s official game page.With Chicago favored and Utah missing key frontcourt players, late injury updates, especially Markkanen’s status, will play a major role in how this game unfolds.