Former Ute Branden Carlson Gets First Half Minutes For OKC vs Jazz
Jan 22, 2025, 7:35 PM | Updated: Jan 23, 2025, 1:08 pm
SALT LAKE CITY- The Utah Jazz are taking on NBA Finals favorites and top dogs Oklahoma City Thunder, and some Utah fans might recognize Branden Carlson, a familiar face around Salt Lake City.
Former Utah Ute and current NBA rookie Branden Carlson just signed his second 10-day contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder earlier this morning, just in time to make an appearance against his hometown team, the Utah Jazz.
The Oklahoma City Thunder has signed center Branden Carlson to a second 10-day contract, team says.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) January 22, 2025
Carlson made his 14th appearance for this Thunder this year with his best performance coming less than a week ago against the Cavaliers. Branden logged 17 minutes and scored 11 points against Clevland, showing off his range with three three-pointers.
His strong showing earned him another 18 minutes and eight points on Sunday against the Nets, which led to his freshly signed 10-day contract.
In the first half against the Jazz, Carlson knocked down a long-range three-pointer.
Baller Branden, indeed 🙂↕️ @ballerbranden35 pic.twitter.com/IvRuYqQqMl
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) January 23, 2025
Four minutes into the third quarter, the Utah Jazz currently lead the Oklahoma City Thunder 68-65.
Markkanen, Collins Back For Jazz Against Thunder
The Jazz will welcome Lauri Markkanen and John Collins back to the lineup when they travel to Oklahoma City.
Markkanen has missed four straight games as he continues to deal with back spasms, while Collins has missed 13 of the last 14 games due to personal reasons and a hip injury.
Collin Sexton will also return to the lineup after missing Monday’s loss due to rest.
The @utahjazz injury report against the @okcthunder:
IN – John Collins
IN – Lauri Markkanen
OUT – Brice Sensabaugh (ankle)
OUT – Jordan Clarkson (foot)
OUT – Taylor Hendricks (leg)
OUT – Johnny Juzang (hand)
OUT – Cody Williams (ankle)
OUT – Micah Potter (G League)#takenote— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) January 22, 2025
Related: Why Did Jazz Trade Three First Round Picks For One Suns Pick?
Markkanen, Sexton, and Collins are the team’s top-three leading scorers and haven’t shared the floor since January 4 when the Jazz beat the Miami Heat on the road 136-100.
The Thunder meanwhile have won 20 of their last 22 games, and own the best record in the Western Conference.
The Jazz will wrap up their four-game road trip in Memphis on Saturday after facing the Thunder.
Utah Jazz Injury Report
OUT – Jordan Clarkson (foot)
OUT – Brice Sensabaugh (ankle)
OUT – Cody Williams (ankle)
OUT – Taylor Hendricks (foot)
OUT – Micah Potter (G League)
OUT – Johnny Juzang (hand)
Oklahoma City Thunder Injury Report
QUESTIONABLE – Jalen Williams (illness)
OUT – Isaiah Hartenstein (calf)
OUT – Chet Holmgren (hip)
OUT – Ajay Mitchell (toe)
OUT – Nikola Topic (knee)
