The Utah Jazz are set for a high-stakes showdown against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night, and the buzz in Salt Lake City is electric as Keyonte George, the Jazz’s breakout star, has been cleared to play after a bout with illness. The matchup, scheduled for 7 p.m. Mountain Time at the Delta Center, pits a resurgent Jazz squad against a Celtics team still fighting for Eastern Conference supremacy despite some key absences.
Coming into the contest, the Jazz (12-19) are riding a two-game winning streak, fresh off a 127-114 triumph over the San Antonio Spurs. In that game, Lauri Markkanen poured in 29 points and grabbed five rebounds, while George delivered a stat-stuffing performance with 28 points, six assists, five rebounds, two steals, and a block in 35 minutes. His efficiency was on full display, as he shot 7-for-18 from the field, 3-for-9 from deep, and made 11 of 13 free throws. That win not only boosted Utah’s morale but also showcased the team’s growing chemistry and resilience.
For Jazz fans, the biggest question mark heading into Tuesday was the health of George, who was listed as questionable earlier in the day due to an illness. The 22-year-old guard has been the engine behind Utah’s offense all season, averaging 24.2 points, 6.8 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game through 31 outings. He’s been remarkably efficient, shooting 45% from the field, 36.7% from three-point territory, and a sizzling 90.4% from the line. Not only has George played every game so far, but he’s also been on a tear lately—scoring at least 20 points in each of his last eight games, with averages of 30.0 points, 7.0 assists, 5.1 rebounds, 3.9 threes, and 1.3 steals over 36.8 minutes per contest.
When the Jazz’s official injury report was updated just hours before tip-off, fans breathed a collective sigh of relief: "AVAILABLE – Keyonte George (illness)," the team announced on social media. That means Utah’s dynamic backcourt duo of George and Markkanen will be intact as they take on one of the NBA’s most balanced and disciplined squads.
Still, the Jazz aren’t at full strength. Rookie Ace Bailey is sidelined for a second straight game with a left hip flexor strain, and veteran Kevin Love is resting, leaving Utah without one of their starters and their primary backup big man. Walker Kessler and Georges Niang remain unavailable as they recover from injuries. With Bailey out, Brice Sensabaugh is expected to step into the starting lineup, while Taylor Hendricks and others could see expanded roles off the bench. The Jazz’s depth will be tested, but the presence of George gives them a fighting chance against a formidable Celtics defense.
On the other side, the Celtics (19-12) arrive in Salt Lake City looking to bounce back from a disappointing road loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. Jaylen Brown was the bright spot in that game, tallying 37 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, while Hugo Gonzalez chipped in 13 points and six boards off the bench. Boston’s injury report isn’t insignificant either: Chris Boucher is out for the third straight game due to personal reasons, and superstar Jayson Tatum remains sidelined for the season after suffering a torn Achilles during last year’s playoffs. Despite these absences, the Celtics' roster depth and defensive versatility have kept them in the thick of the playoff race.
Boston’s size and perimeter shooting present a stiff challenge for Utah, especially with the Jazz still searching for consistency on both ends of the floor. The Celtics’ disciplined defense is among the league’s best, and their balanced attack means Utah will need to be sharp from the opening tip. But if there’s a silver lining for the Jazz, it’s that George’s availability keeps their offensive identity intact, allowing them to run their sets with confidence and pace.
George’s recent surge has not gone unnoticed around the league. The third-year guard is generating All-Star buzz, with his scoring efficiency and playmaking drawing comparisons to some of the NBA’s elite young guards. The 2026 All-Star Game is set for the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles this February, and George’s continued excellence could very well earn him a spot among the game’s brightest stars. As one local columnist put it, "Keyonte George is playing with the poise and swagger of a veteran, and he’s making everyone around him better."
Utah’s last meeting with Boston was a nail-biter, with the Jazz pulling off a 105-103 upset on the road at TD Garden. That win set the stage for a potential season sweep, something Utah hasn’t accomplished against the Celtics since 2021. The stakes are high, and the Jazz know that a victory tonight would not only boost their record but also send a message to the rest of the league: this team, despite its ups and downs, is finding its stride.
Looking ahead, the Jazz face a daunting four-game road trip starting Thursday against the Los Angeles Clippers, who are riding a four-game winning streak themselves. That makes Tuesday’s home game even more critical for Utah, as they look to build momentum before hitting the road. Every win counts in the tightly packed Western Conference, and the Jazz can ill afford to let opportunities slip away—especially with their schedule about to ramp up in difficulty.
As tip-off approaches, the atmosphere at the Delta Center is charged with anticipation. Can the Jazz keep their winning streak alive and complete a rare season sweep of the Celtics? Will Keyonte George continue his torrid scoring pace and further cement his All-Star credentials? One thing’s certain: with George cleared to play and the Jazz hungry for another statement win, all eyes will be on Salt Lake City tonight.
With the action set to unfold, fans can expect a hard-fought battle between two teams eager to prove their mettle. The Jazz’s resilience, combined with George’s star power and Markkanen’s steady presence, gives them every reason to believe they can rise to the occasion. The Celtics, for their part, won’t make it easy—but that’s what makes NBA basketball in December so captivating. Stay tuned, because this one promises fireworks from the opening whistle to the final buzzer.
