Brooklyn Nets Face Utah Jazz in Tank-Off Matchup

Game could have major draft implications for both teams

Jan. 30, 2026 at 7:07pm

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The Utah Jazz will host the Brooklyn Nets in a matchup that could have serious implications for the upcoming NBA draft. Brooklyn currently holds a 12-34 record, while Utah is 15-33, just 3.5 games behind. The Jazz are reportedly manipulating player availability and rest in an effort to lose the game and improve their draft position.

Why it matters

This game represents a 'tank-off' between the two teams, as they jockey for position in the draft lottery. Both franchises are focused on rebuilding through the draft, so this head-to-head matchup could determine which team ends up with a higher draft pick and the opportunity to select a potential franchise-changing player.

The details

The Jazz are reportedly sitting key players like Lauri Markkanen and Jusuf Nurkic, while making Keyonte George available, all in an effort to increase their chances of losing to the Nets. Brooklyn, meanwhile, is also firmly in tank mode with their 12-34 record. Former BYU standout Egor Demin, now a rookie for the Nets, will make his return to Utah for the game.

  • The game will tip off at 7:30 PM MT on 1/30/2026.

The players

Lauri Markkanen

Jazz forward who is being rested for the game.

Jusuf Nurkic

Jazz center who is out with an illness, conveniently for the team's tanking efforts.

Keyonte George

Jazz rookie who is being made available, likely to increase the team's chances of losing.

Egor Demin

Rookie Nets guard and former BYU standout, returning to Utah for the game.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

This game represents the stark reality of 'tanking' in the NBA, as both the Nets and Jazz prioritize their draft position over winning in the short term. It highlights the lengths teams will go to in order to improve their lottery odds and secure a top draft pick, even if it means manipulating player availability and resting key contributors.