The Utah Jazz know that every game matters in the home stretch of the NBA regular season. They are part of the six-team traffic jam occupying the third through eighth playoff spots in the crowded Western Conference.

A five-game winning streak could mean home-court advantage in the first round for the Jazz. A five-game losing streak could mean a fall to the No. 8 seed and a date with the Golden State Warriors in round one. The margins are small.

The Jazz can use Ricky Rubio, Ekpe Udoh, and everyone else who contributes to Quin Snyder's team.

Utah's situation is decidedly suboptimal for its next contest.

Per Eric Walden of the Salt Lake Tribune, Rubio and Udoh are doubtful for the Jazz in Friday night's road game against the Memphis Grizzlies:

The Jazz's lack of depth was magnified by this follow-up from veteran Jazz beat writer Tony Jones of The Athletic:

The Jazz could very reasonably win this game without Rubio, Udoh, Dante Exum, and Raul Neto, but putting more strain on Donovan Mitchell and playing more players for extended minutes is precisely what NBA teams hope to avoid in March, with the playoffs one month away.

Utah has carved out a well-deserved reputation for being resourceful, but that doesn't mean it needs to continue showing itself — and the NBA — how adaptable it can be in difficult situations.

The Jazz, who have been significantly affected by injuries in the Snyder era, would love to see how much mileage they can get out of their best lineups, playing under ideal circumstances.

Those circumstances will have to wait as Utah makes a push for home-court advantage in the wild, wild West.