Ace Bailey News: Struggles in return

Bailey (hip) recorded two points (1-3 FG, 0-2 3Pt), one rebound and one steal over 10 minutes during Wednesday's 129-125 overtime loss to the Thunder.

Bailey returned from a five-game absence due to a left hip flexor strain, but after starting in each of his previous 21 appearances and averaging 26.0 minutes per contest, he came off the bench and handled his lightest workload of the season Wednesday. While Bailey should eventually reclaim his spot on the top unit, the Jazz are likely to take a cautious approach with him and ramp him up slowly, which means his playing time could be limited for the foreseeable future. Even as a starter, Bailey has failed to make the most of his opportunities thus far, averaging 12.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.0 three-pointers and 1.5 assists in those 21 contests.