by Alma Bean
Feature Image by Jeffrey D. Allred of Deseret News
The Utah Jazz (1-1) goes on their first road trip of the season taking on the Phoenix Suns (1-1) as they look to get their first winning streak of the new season.
What to Look For
Coming into this game, Phoenix will need to rely heavily on Kevin Durant. Being the only star of their three-headed monster slated to play, Durant will need to show the league that he still is a true superstar. In the two games he has played so far, Durant is averaging 28.5/11/2.5 but will have another seven-footer guarding him this time around, Lauri Markkanen. Durant will be an early test for Markkanen to see if last year’s All-Star nod was just a fluke, or if the league should put Markkanen on All-Star watch once again.
Key of the Game
Closing out on shots. Phoenix is already proving to be a defensive menace early in this season. Currently Phoenix is top-five in both opponent three-point percentage (20.8%) and field goal percentage (38.9%). Where Utah can get back into this game is through ball pressure as Phoenix currently has a -6.5 turnover differential which is second to last in the league. Having guys like Kris Dunn and Talen Horton-Tucker on the floor can hopefully expose Phoenix in that department.
Injury Report
Phoenix – Bradley Beal (back) Out, Devin Booker (foot) Out, Damion Lee (knee) Out
Utah – Josh Christopher (G League) Out, Taylor Hendricks (G League) Out, Johnny Juzang (G League) Out, Micah Potter (G League) Out, Brice Sensabaugh (G League) Out, Collin Sexton (wrist) Probable
Where to Watch
Tip-off will be at 8:00 p.m. MDT on Jazz+ and NBA TV.
The Hive Sports 
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