Washington Wizards forward Bilal Coulibaly missed his third consecutive game on Friday in Los Angeles when the Wizards took on the Clippers at the Crypto.com Arena. The extended absence stems from a pelvic contusion the Wizards' rookie suffered in a loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers last week.
Bilal just tried to end Max Strus pic.twitter.com/226ghsbh8H
— Greg Finberg (@GregFinberg) February 25, 2024
Coulibaly left early in the first quarter against the Cavaliers after taking a hard fall on a dunk attempt over Cleveland forward Max Strus. The Wizards hope to see Coulibaly return at full strength ahead of their clash with the Utah Jazz, the final game of a three-game road trip for Washington.
Bilal Coulibaly's status for Washington Wizards at Utah Jazz on March 4
According to a report from The Atheltic's Wizards beat reporter Josh Robbins, the team has cleared Coulibaly to play on Monday in Utah. The list of inactives for Washington features three players.
Bilal Coulibaly has been cleared to play tomorrow in Utah. He's not on the Wizards' injury report. The only players who will be out are Isaiah Livers (right hip), Patrick Baldwin Jr. (G League assignment) and RJ Hampton (G League assignment). No one else is listed on the report. https://t.co/Sn3bf8jXee
— Josh Robbins (@JoshuaBRobbins) March 4, 2024
The trip to the Delta Center in Utah will be Coulibaly's first of his NBA career. In his first look at the Salt Lake City squad in the District back in January, Bilal struggled to find his footing offensively, shooting 0-of-5 from the field and ending the night with just two points in 29 minutes.
Although it has yet to be determined whether coach Brian Keefe will take things slow and restrict Coulibaly's minutes in Utah, the Wizards' rookie will most certainly look to redeem himself on the road after his performance against the Jazz earlier this season.
Injury report for Washington Wizards at Utah Jazz on March 4
While Washington enters Monday's game losers of their last 14 straight, Utah has run into some injury concerns that may open the door for the Wizards to steal a win on the road. According to the latest injury report released by the team, the Jazz will be without Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler, and Otto Porter Jr. tonight with others listed as questionable as well.
UPDATED Jazz Injury Report:
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) March 4, 2024
*QUESTIONABLE - Keyonte George (illness)
*QUESTIONABLE - Micah Potter (G League)
*QUESTIONABLE - Jason Preston (G League)
OUT - Walker Kessler (right foot sprain)
OUT - Lauri Markkanen (right quadriceps contusion)
OUT - Otto Porter Jr. (Not With… pic.twitter.com/kJ4PFREWMS
In the Wizards' last matchup with the Jazz, Markkanen poured in 29 points with a game-high six made three-pointers. With the former All-Star sidelined, the Wizards have a real chance of notching a win in Utah and avoiding a winless road trip.
Washington Wizards' upcoming schedule
Following Monday night's road trip finale, the Wizards will return home for two games before checking back out for another four games on the road. The Wizards will welcome in the Orlando Magic and the Charlotte Hornets during their brief two-game homestand.
Wednesday, March 6 vs. Orlando Magic at 7:00 PM ET
Friday, March 8 vs. Charlotte Hornets at 7:00 PM ET
Sunday, March 10 vs. Miami Heat at 6:00 PM ET