Key Points
- The Utah Jazz entered their January 14, 2026 game against the Chicago Bulls with rookie Ace Bailey stepping up amid multiple key player absences.
- Bailey, the fifth pick and recovering from hip injury, has averaged 9.9 points and 3.2 rebounds over 32 games and returned to the starting lineup.
- The Jazz faced injury challenges with four players sidelined and were 13-point underdogs against the Bulls, who also had several injured players.
The Utah Jazz, fresh off an unexpected upset over the Cleveland Cavaliers, rolled into the United Center on January 14, 2026, determined to keep their momentum alive against the Chicago Bulls. With the echoes of their 123-112 victory in Cleveland still ringing, the Jazz faced a new challenge: navigating a tough matchup while missing key pieces and relying on the promise of rookie sensation Ace Bailey.
Bailey, just 19 years old and the fifth overall pick in the NBA draft, has already captured the attention of fans and analysts alike. After battling through a hip injury that sidelined him for several games, Bailey is gradually returning to form. His athleticism, on full display since his college days at Rutgers, was showcased in a highlight-reel alley-oop slam against the Cavaliers—Utah’s first bucket of that game—thanks to a perfect lob from Isaiah Colliers. That moment set the tone for the Jazz’s high-energy performance in Cleveland and hinted at Bailey’s potential as a future franchise cornerstone.
“His willingness to pour into the team has been what’s most impressive… He got all these labels and all these knocks coming out of the draft, and the kid is such an unbelievable kid, like so many times, we’ll be sitting down, and he’ll just like, ‘Can you believe we’re in the NBA?'” Georges Niang shared during his appearance on “Run it Back,” highlighting Bailey’s humility and team-first attitude. Niang’s words echoed the sentiment around the Jazz organization: Bailey might be young and raw, but his mindset and work ethic are exactly what Utah needs as they look to rebuild and build a winning culture for the future.
Coming into the Bulls game, Bailey had played 32 games this season, averaging 9.9 points on 43.8% shooting and 3.2 rebounds. Before his injury, his minutes were steadily increasing—a trend that Jazz head coach Will Hardy is keen to resume if Bailey regains his conditioning. Hardy’s faith in the rookie has been evident, especially as Bailey returned to the starting lineup against the Bulls, stepping in for Lauri Markkanen, who was sidelined with illness. Bailey had come off the bench in his previous two appearances, where he logged just 15 minutes against the Cavaliers, tallying four points, three rebounds, and two assists in what was only his second game back from injury.
The Jazz’s lineup against Chicago featured Keyonte George at point guard, Svi Mykhailiuk at shooting guard, Bailey at small forward, Markkanen (listed as day-to-day with illness) at power forward, and Jusuf Nurkic at center. However, with Markkanen ultimately ruled out, Bailey’s role grew even more significant. The Jazz were also missing Kevin Love (rest), Elijah Harkless (unspecified), Georges Niang (foot), and Walker Kessler (left shoulder surgery), making depth an ongoing concern. The Bulls, meanwhile, were dealing with their own injury woes: Yuki Kawamura (lower leg), Coby White (day-to-day, injury management), Julian Phillips (day-to-day, wrist), Zach Collins (toe sprain recovery), Josh Giddey (hamstring), and Noa Essengue (left shoulder surgery) all appeared on Chicago’s lengthy report.
For fans tuning in, the game tipped off at 8:00 p.m. EST, broadcast on KJZZ and CHSN, with streaming available on Fubo and Prime Video. The Bulls carried an 18-21 record into the contest, while the Jazz, at 14-25, were significant 13-point underdogs. Despite their recent victory, Utah remained a team in transition, balancing the development of young talent like Bailey with the realities of a rebuilding roster and the pressure to retain their top-eight protected draft pick.
Bailey’s journey to this point hasn’t been without its bumps. Drafted amid concerns about his maturity and fit, he quickly set about dispelling doubts. His decision to part ways with his pre-draft agent, Omar Cooper, after a much-publicized debacle, was seen as a sign of personal accountability. Inside the locker room, Bailey’s humility has won over teammates and coaches. According to Niang, “Bailey is still getting used to life in the NBA,” but his willingness to learn and contribute is already paying dividends for Utah.
Utah’s approach to the season has been pragmatic. With the franchise’s recent history of stars departing—Deron Williams leaving after the team’s decline, Gordon Hayward seeking new opportunities—the Jazz are keen to build around Bailey and ensure they don’t repeat past mistakes. The consensus is clear: while the team may not be winning consistently now, Bailey’s potential is too great to squander. The hope is that, as he matures and the roster develops, Utah will transition from rebuilding to contending, giving Bailey every reason to stay and thrive in Salt Lake City.
Coach Hardy’s patience with Bailey is evident. The rookie’s learning curve is steep, but the flashes of brilliance—like his alley-oop dunk against Cleveland—suggest that he’s on the right track. Hardy has indicated that if Bailey continues to improve his conditioning and adapt to the NBA’s pace, his opportunities will only increase. For now, Bailey’s averages of nearly 10 points per game on efficient shooting are encouraging signs, especially considering the physical and mental adjustments required of a teenager in the world’s toughest basketball league.
As the game against the Bulls unfolded, the Jazz found themselves trailing in the second quarter. With Markkanen out, the pressure was on Bailey and his fellow young teammates to step up. The outcome was still very much in the balance as of the latest update, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. Could Bailey’s energy and athleticism spark a comeback? Would Utah’s underdog spirit shine through once again?
Regardless of the final score, one thing is clear: Ace Bailey’s presence is already shaping the direction of the Utah Jazz. His blend of humility, raw talent, and drive to improve has given the franchise—and its supporters—plenty to be excited about. As long as Bailey stays healthy and continues to grow, the Jazz’s future looks a lot brighter than their current record might suggest.
With the action still ongoing in Chicago, all eyes are on Bailey and the Jazz as they look to build on their recent success and lay the groundwork for a new era of Utah basketball. The journey is just beginning, but the signs are promising—and for Jazz fans, that’s reason enough to keep watching.
