Rudy Gobert will play against the Rockets on Thursday, according to Jody Genessy of the Deseret News. Jeff Whithey will start at center, but Gobert will be available to play off the bench, Genessy reported.
Rudy Gobert will play on Thursday against Rockets
The Stifle Tower is back after missing over a month of action.
Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Gobert has been out since Dec. 2 after suffering a knee injury during practice. He was reportedly out indefinitely after being diagnosed with a grade 2 MCL sprain. Players who have suffered similar injuries have been out for 4-7 weeks. He’s been out for five weeks already, so it seems like his recovery was right on schedule.
Gobert emerged as a game-changing defensive presence for the Jazz last season following the trade that sent Enes Kanter to the Thunder. He's arguably the league's most fearsome rim protector and a great rebounder. His offensive game is still not fully developed but he manages to make plays near the rim on his length and athleticism alone. He's also only 23 years old, which means he's one of Utah's young core pieces.
Having him back is a huge boon for the Jazz. In his absence they went 7-11 but have managed to hold on to the eighth best record in the West. With Derrick Favors also out with injury, Jeff Withey has been filling in at center and while he has done a solid job, he’s not on the same level as Gobert. The return of the Stifle Tower should immediately improve the Jazz’s defense, which has taken a huge step back in his absence.
Gobert is averaging nine points, 11 rebounds and over two blocks per game this season.
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