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Wizards at Jazz preview: Washington faces the Utah Monday

With or without Beal, the Wizards are going to have to show up to compete with the league’s best team.

Utah Jazz v Washington Wizards Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images

Game Info

When: Monday, April 12 at 9 p.m. ET

Where: Vivint Arena, Salt Lake City, Utah

How to watch: NBC Sports Washington

Injury Report

Wizards: Bradley Beal (Hip, Day-to-day); Davis Bertans (Rest, Day-to-day); Daniel Gafford (Ankle, Out); Thomas Bryant (Knee, Out)

Jazz: None

Pregame notes

Beal or no Beal?

Bradley Beal did not play in the team’s matchup against the Phoenix Suns Saturday night due to back tightness. He last played Friday night against the Warriors but did have to leave the game to get treatment in the locker room. Fortunately for his team, he was able to return to the game to help secure a win. It’s unclear if the NBA scoring leader will return to the lineup Monday.

Utah still has the best record in the league

The Jazz are still on top with a 40-13 record so far this season. They are coming off a 128-112 win against the Sacramento Kings. In that game, Donovan Mitchell, who is leading his team with 26.3 points per game, went off with 42 points in his 35 minutes on the floor. Mike Conley Jr. followed with 26 and Joe Ingles had 20.

The Wizards actually need to box out this game

The Wizards are going to have to get through Rudy Gobert and Royce O’Neale if they are looking for a rebound. Gobert is averaging a team-high 13.4 rebounds per game but has shown more than 20 times this season that he is capable of doing far more. In fact, his season-high was 28 against Golden State in March. O’Neale, who is averaging 6.8, has also shown ample times this season that he is a threat the moment the ball leave a player’s hands.

Utah is averaging 48.4 rebounds per game compared to Washington’s 44.3. The Wizards need to be ready to hustle on both ends.