Jazz Depth Will Be Tested During Preseason Action

The Utah Jazz's preseason victory over Denver on Sunday offered an early look to how deep the roster really is. Utah played without three depth rotational pieces, and the players who filled the gap said a lot about the direction the team is going in heading into the regular season.

Kyle Filipowski, new addition Josh Green and Brice Sensabaugh were all missing from the lineup because of injury.

Filipowski and Sensabaugh are important, maybe even the focal points, of the second unit after both had solid 2025-26 campaigns. Green's absence delayed his Jazz debut. The severity of his knee issue is unknown, though he is expected to step in for the rematch on Tuesday.

Sixteen Jazz players suited up on Sunday. Terrell Brown Jr. was the only healthy player who did not see playing time. Blake Hinson led the reserves with 14 points, with Ace Bailey adding 10.

In the second half, Utah replaced Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Nurkic with Bailey, new addition Josh Okogie and Jaxson Hayes. That frontcourt (besides second-year Bailey) offers veteran depth even without Filipowski's name in the mix.

Fan Recap pointed out that backup point guard Isaiah Collier should see more on-ball responsibility with Filipowski and Sensabaugh sidelined.

With Keyonte George manning the first unit, the reserves need a reliable ball-handler, and the preseason is a good look to see whether Collier can remain that player like he did last season.

Wing congestion has been a recurring subject throughout the summer. Green's debut will be worth watching once he is healthy. He figures to compete with Sensabaugh, Okogie, Svi Mykhailiuk and even Bailey for playing time.

Throw Hinson in the mix, and Utah has more wing than rotation spots. Preseason injuries inadvertently sort out the rotations, but coach Will Hardy would prefer to decide who earns them.

Depth will remain a topic if it holds up during the regular season. Utah, looking to make a statement this season, will likely lose players to injuries, and the second unit will be tested often.

Though it was the first preseason game, Sunday showed that the Jazz have multiple bodies to cover for injuries.

Utah has a four-game preseason schedule, so there is still wiggle room to figure out rotations. If Filipowski, Green and Sensabaugh play a game or two before opening night, Hardy will have a clear picture. If not, depth questions will be a major talking point. Look for any obscure names who may stand out tonight.

As of 12:35 p.m. MDT, Filipowski is ruled out for tonight's game, and Nurkic is a game-time decision after sitting out Monday's practice.