Utah Jazz vs. Dallas Mavericks Preseason Finale: What to Watch For - Inside the Jazz Skip to main content Sign In October 14, 2022NewsDraftSI.COMNewsDraftSI.COMSUBSCRIBEHomeInside The JazzNews Jazz vs Mavs Preseason Finale What to Watch ForUtah Jazz players make their final case to land a roster spot on Friday night.Author:Patrick ByrnesPublish date:Oct 14, 2022 1:01 PM EDTThe Utah Jazz wrap up their preseason schedule tonight vs. the Dallas Mavericks in Salt Lake City. New Jazz head coach Will Hardy has some big decisions lying ahead, and how the game unfolds should shed some light on key roster decisions moving forward. Let’s dive in and take a look at what Jazz fans should be looking for. Starting Five It appears Lauri Markkanen, Kelly Olynyk, and Jarred Vanderbilt have locked down starting spots. It’s still unclear who will start at the point and shooting guard positions.  It’s been a mixed bag of Mike Conley, Collin Sexton, Malik Beasley, and Jordan Clarkson getting starts in the previous three games, although it looks like Conley and Clarkson are trending to crack the starting five. Jazz Nation will know how it plays out 30 minutes prior to tip-off. Where do Jazz Stand with Rudy Gay Jazz fans were taken back on Tuesday night when veteran Gay received 25 minutes of playing time, while rookie shooting guard Ochai Agbaji didn’t see the court. Was Utah showcasing Gay for a potential trade, or does he fit in the Jazz plans moving forward?  Gay has been underwhelming on the court and is a roadblock for the younger players that need live reps to develop. It could cost the Jazz $12 million to let him walk away, but he’s just not a fit for a team in the midst of a rebuild. Scroll to Continue Read More Jordan Clarkson Linked in Trade Rumor Involving Ex-Jazz PlayerOct 13, 2022 2:03 PM EDT Predicting New Rotation Jazz HC Will Hardy Roll WithOct 12, 2022 5:49 PM EDT Jazz Have Two Trades Left to Maximize Victor Wembanyama OddsOct 12, 2022 12:16 PM EDT Roster Bubble WatchIt looks like second-year point guard Jared Butler secured his roster spot against the San Antonio Spurs. This leaves Gay, Leandro Bolmaro, Stanley Johnson, Cody Zeller, and Udoka Azubuike vying for three spots.  It will be interesting to see how Hardy distributes the minutes to the players that are on the fence of making the final cut. Defensive Adjustments The Jazz got scorched for 39 points in the first quarter on Tuesday night. Now, it’s just one game, but the lack of rim protection and paint presence was a glaring issue, especially when Walker Kessler wasn’t in the game.  Let’s see if Utah can flip the script and hold the opponent to a reasonable number out of the gates. Tip-off for the final tuneup is at 7:00 p.m. at Vivint Arena. Follow Patrick on Twitter @pbyrnesNBA. Follow Inside The Jazz on Facebook and Twitter. News Jordan Clarkson Linked in Trade Rumor Involving Ex-Jazz PlayerBy Patrick ByrnesOct 13, 2022 2:03 PM EDTNews Predicting New Rotation Jazz HC Will Hardy Roll WithBy Patrick ByrnesOct 12, 2022 5:49 PM EDTNews Jazz Have Two Trades Left to Maximize Victor Wembanyama OddsBy James LewisOct 12, 2022 12:16 PM EDTNews 4 Takeaways from Jazz s 111-104 Preseason Loss to SpursBy Patrick ByrnesOct 11, 2022 11:52 PM EDTNews Predicting Toughest Jazz Cuts Ahead of 15-Man Roster DeadlineBy Patrick ByrnesOct 10, 2022 6:11 PM EDTNews Report Jazz Waiving Saben Lee Ahead of DeadlineBy Patrick ByrnesOct 12, 2022 12:18 PM EDTNews Jazz Preseason Hints at Will Hardy s Starting FiveBy Patrick ByrnesOct 8, 2022 4:01 PM EDTNews Jazz Hosting Free Scrimmage For New-Look Roster on SaturdayBy Patrick ByrnesOct 7, 2022 5:01 PM EDTLoading…See MoreCLOSECLOSECLOSECLOSE