by Alma Bean
Feature Image: Photo by Layne Murdock of Getty Images.
The Utah Jazz (16-14) has a quick rematch against the New Orleans Pelicans (18-9) in their third and final meeting of the season.
What to Look For
Utah’s execution against New Orleans on Tuesday is credited to their defense and their ability to get boards. Utah totaled 10 blocks, limited New Orleans 4/27 (14.8%) from three, and outrebounded New Orleans 59-43. Having three players with double-doubles with points and rebounds (Walker Kessler 11/16/0, Lauri Markkanen 19/11/1, and Jarred Vanderbilt 18/14/6), New Orleans struggled to have one player with double-digit rebounds. Nickeil Alexander-Walker has been making his presence known since Collin Sexton‘s hamstring injury. Alexander-Walker is averaging 19 PPG along with 4 APG.
Keys of the Game
If Utah wants to sweep the number one team in the west, they may want to stick to their previous game plan. Limiting New Orleans’ ability to shoot from three, forcing them to drive either creating foul trouble for them or their opponent, or chaotic defense seems to be a winning formula. The tweaks that Utah should make are focusing on turning the ball over less and allowing fewer steals. Utah turned the ball over 19 times along with New Orleans getting 12 of those through steals. Without Jose Alvarado in the lineup, Utah may have an easier time holding onto the ball.
Injury Report
New Orleans- Jose Alvarado: Out (rib), Brandon Ingram: Out (toe), E.J. Liddell: Out (knee)
Utah- Simone Fontecchio: Out (ankle), Johnny Juzang: Out (wrist), Collin Sexton: Out (hamstring)
Where to Watch?
New Orleans and Utah will tip-off for the final time this season in Salt Lake City at 7:00 p.m. MT on AT&T SportsNet.
The Hive Sports 
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