Jazz’s Sensabaugh Questionable After Illness Halts Scoring Surge
SALT LAKE CITY, 23 January 2026 – Utah Jazz forward Brice Sensabaugh is listed as questionable for Thursday’s contest against the San Antonio Spurs as he recovers from an illness that has sidelined him for two consecutive games. The potential absence comes on the heels of a remarkable scoring burst from the third-year pro, who recently erupted for a career-high 43 points.
Injury Status Update
Brice Sensabaugh, a key rotational piece for the Jazz, has been downgraded to out for Utah’s previous two matches due to illness. He missed the front end of a back-to-back against the San Antonio Spurs on Monday, 19 January, and was also ruled out for Tuesday’s clash with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Jazz have officially listed him as questionable for the team’s next fixture, a rematch against the Spurs on Thursday, 22 January. His absence has created additional minutes for teammates Kyle Filipowski and Cody Williams.
January Scoring Explosion
Prior to falling ill, Sensabaugh was in the midst of the most productive stretch of his NBA career. The 22-year-old wing averaged 19.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.9 three-pointers per game since the start of January, firmly establishing himself as a potent offensive weapon off the bench.
The highlight was a historic performance on 14 January against the Chicago Bulls, where Sensabaugh poured in a career-best 43 points on 15-of-22 shooting, including five three-pointers. He also set an NBA record for the most points in a quarter by a reserve player since play-by-play tracking began, scoring 21 points in the first period.
He followed that with 27 points against the Dallas Mavericks on 15 January and 25 points in a second meeting with Dallas on 17 January, compiling 95 points over a sensational three-game span.
| Date | Opponent | Points | Key Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 Jan | @ Chicago Bulls | 43 | Career-high, 5 rebounds, 2 assists |
| 15 Jan | @ Dallas Mavericks | 27 | 5 rebounds, 1 steal |
| 17 Jan | vs Dallas Mavericks | 25 | 6 rebounds, 2 assists |
Season & Team Context
For the 2025-26 season, Sensabaugh is averaging 11.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 20.9 minutes per game across 41 appearances. His recent surge in playing time and production has been a bright spot for a Utah team focused on developing its young core. The Jazz hold a 15-29 record, sitting at the bottom of the NBA’s Western Conference Northwest Division.
Coach Will Hardy has emphasised a developmental approach with Sensabaugh, initially focusing on integrating him into the team’s system and defence before expanding his offensive responsibilities. The forward’s improved three-point shooting this season (a marked increase from his rookie year) is a testament to that focused development.
Player Profile
Brice Sensabaugh, 22, was selected with the 28th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz. The Florida native played one collegiate season at Ohio State, where he was named to the All-Big Ten Third Team and Freshman Team. He stands 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 metres) tall and weighs 235 pounds (107 kilograms).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Brice Sensabaugh not playing?
Sensabaugh is currently sidelined due to an illness. He has missed the Jazz’s last two games and is considered questionable for their next match.
What was Sensabaugh’s career-high game?
On 14 January 2026, Sensabaugh scored a career-high 43 points in a road loss to the Chicago Bulls. He also set an NBA record for the most points in a quarter by a bench player since 1996-97 with 21 points in the first period.
What are Brice Sensabaugh’s stats for the season?
In the 2025-26 NBA season, Sensabaugh is averaging 11.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game while shooting 45.6% from the field over 41 games played.
When is Sensabaugh expected to return?
The Jazz have listed Sensabaugh as questionable for their game on Thursday, 22 January, against the San Antonio Spurs. His final availability will likely be determined closer to game time.