Isaiah Collier Turns On Jets For Jazz Layup

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rookie point guard Isaiah Collier plays the game at a different speed, evidenced by a coast-to-coast first-half bucket against Washington.

The Wizards (11-49) hosted the Jazz (15-46) at Capitol One Center in a battle of two of the NBA’s worst teams. Washington began the night with the fewest wins in the league, while Utah’s 15 wins are the third least overall and worst record in the Western Conference.

RELATED: Utah Jazz vs. Washington Wizards Live Blog

At the break the @utahjazz trail the @washwizards 62-55.

Kyle FIlipowski has 15 points to lead the Jazz. #takenote pic.twitter.com/9BoccVQo7K

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) March 6, 2025

With most of their veterans unavailable, a larger-than-normal workload fell on Collier. The former USC Trojan didn’t blink, keeping his team within striking distance after 24 minutes.

Collier ended the half with seven points, three boards, and three assists as Utah trailed 62-55 at the half.

Isaiah Collier's speed is silly.

It's truly elite.

— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) March 6, 2025

Kyle Filipowski continued his recent hot streak, leading Utah with 15 points and five rebounds on 6-of-10 shooting. Oscar Tshiebwe came off the bench to grab eight rebounds and add four points in nine minutes.

Lengthy injury report leaves Jazz shorthanded in D.C.

The Jazz injury report is familiar, as the team again takes the floor minus several veterans. Will Hardy’s bunch is missing starters Lauri Markkanen (back), John Collins (back), Walker Kessler (rest), and Collin Sexton (ankle), while sixth-man Jordan Clarkson will miss the game due to ongoing plantar fasciitis.

The @utahjazz injury report is lengthy against the @WashWizards.

OUT – Jordan Clarkson (foot)

OUT – John Collins (back)

OUT – Taylor Hendricks (leg)

OUT – Walker Kessler (rest)

OUT – Lauri Markkanen (back)

OUT – Collin Sexton (ankle)

QUESTIONABLE – Jaden Springer (back)

— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) March 4, 2025

With the vets on the sidelines, Western Conference Rookie of the Month Isaiah Collier and backcourt mate Keyonte George figure to play big minutes in Washington. Collier is averaging 10.8 points, 8.4 assists, and more than a steal in his last ten contests.

George continues to be a threat offensively but is a defensive liability more often than not. He averages 17.1 points, 6.7 assists, and 4.2 rebounds in 31 minutes a night.

Rookie forward Cody Williams has played over 18 minutes a night in his past nine games. The former Colorado Buffalo averages 5.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks during the same stretch.

Jazz open five-game road trip on East Coast

Washington is the first stop of the Jazz’s five-game road trip. They will also face the Toronto Raptors, Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics, and Memphis Grizzlies before returning home on March 14.

Of the Jazz’s 21 remaining games, 11 will be played on the road, while 10 will be played at Delta Center in Salt Lake City.

The Jazz are 7-22 on the road this season and 8-24 at home.

According to Tankathon, the Jazz’s remaining schedule is the 14th most difficult in the NBA, with upcoming opponents’ average win percentage of .509.

Washington Wizards Injury Report

OUT – Saddiq Bey (knee)

OUT – Malcolm Brogdon (ankle)

QUESTIONABLE – Kyshawn George (jaw)

QUESTIONABLE – Richaun Holmes (knee)

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Follow the Utah Jazz with KSL Sports

Tonight’s game against the Wizards is being televised on KJZZ, streamed on SEG+, and heard on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone.

Ben Anderson is the Utah Jazz insider for KSL Sports and the co-host of Jake and Ben from 10-12p with Jake Scott on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone. Find Ben on Twitter at @BensHoops, on Instagram @BensHoops, or on BlueSky. 

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Brian Preece is a sports.ksl.com insider covering Locals in MLB and the Salt Lake Bees. Follow Brian’s Bees and Beehive baseball here. Find Brian on X and Instagram and BlueSky at @bpreece24. 

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