Jazz vs Hawks: Thabo Sefolosha replaces injured DeMarre Carroll in starting lineup

Earlier in the day, the Atlanta Hawks announced that both DeMarre Carroll (groin strain) and Mike Scott (lower back contusion) will be absent from the proceedings against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night. Prior to tip-off, head coach Mike Budenholzer indicated that Thabo Sefolosha will replace Carroll in the starting lineup.

This is no surprise, especially given the fact that Sefolosha leads the Atlanta reserves with 19.0 minutes per game this season, but it will be interesting to see how the remainder of the rotation works out. With Mike Scott also on the shelf, both John Jenkins and Adreian Payne will be active for the game, but neither would seem likely to get their first on-court action of the season.

The interesting choices come both up front and at the shooting guard position. Budenholzer will be the combination of Pero Antic, Elton Brand and Mike Muscala to choose from (in addition to Payne if he went that route) in spelling Al Horford and Paul Millsap, but only Antic has received regular playing time to this point in the year. The Jazz feature a stout front line that includes big-time size in Rudy Gobert and Enes Kanter, along with hyper-athleticism and explosiveness in the form of Derrick Favors.

In addition, replacing Carroll's minutes will be interesting, as Kent Bazemore has received two consecutive "DNP-Coach's Decision" designations. There will be likely be a choice between Bazemore and Shelvin Mack as the third rotational wing player (with Korver and Sefolosha), and we could also see an increase in the two-point guard lineup featuring both Jeff Teague and Dennis Schröder.

Regardless of which deployment that Budenholzer elects to use, this will be the first time we see the Atlanta Hawks at less than full strength with regard to regular members of the rotation, and the new-found depth for this season will be tested in a significant way on Wednesday evening.