by Alma Bean
Feature Image: Photo by Rick Egan of The Salt Lake Tribune.
The Utah Jazz (24-25) takes on the Charlotte Hornets (13-34) in their first meeting of the season to wrap up a three-game homestand for Utah.
What to Look For
Charlotte is coming into Salt Lake City on a two-game winning streak off of stellar performances from Terry Rozier and P.J. Washington. During this win streak, Rozier is averaging 30 PPG, 5.5 APG and 3 SPG and Washington is averaging 19.5 PPG, 7 RPG, 2 SPG, and 1.5 BPG. With LaMelo Ball‘s health in question, these players all the floor to open up more given their value on both ends of the court. Though will have their hands full with those players, Charlotte allows the third most points per game. Charlotte allows 118.9 PPG while Utah is currently scoring 117.5 PPG. This will give relief to Utah fans as they go into this game as an eight-point favorite according to ESPN.
Key of the Game
Being quick on the boards. Both Charlotte and Utah are in the top 10 in the league in rebounds, but Charlotte has a top-15 rebounder in Mason Plumblee who averages 9.8 RPG. The closest rebounder for Utah is Lauri Markkanen who is averaging 8.7 RPG. Plumblee almost averages a double-double per game which will prove to be difficult for Utah’s youthful frontcourt.
Injury Report
Charlotte- LaMelo Ball: Questionable (ankle, wrist), Cody Martin: Doubtful (knee), Kelly Oubre Jr.: Out (hand)
Utah- Johnny Juzang: Out (G League), Kelly Olynyk: Out (ankle), Micah Potter: Out (G League)
Where to Watch?
Tip-off between Charlotte and Utah is at 7:00 p.m. MT on AT&T SportsNet.