by Alma Bean
Feature Image by Francisco Kjolseth of the Salt Lake Tribune
The Utah Jazz (2-4) takes on the Minnesota Timberwolves (2-2) to start their four-game road trip.
What to Look For
After what was seen as a bust trade last season, Rudy Gobert is looking like the Defensive Player of the Year that Minnesota wanted. Gobert is currently tied for third in the league in rebounds per game (13.7) and tied for eighth in the league in blocks (2.0). Having Gobert paired with Karl-Anthony Towns and Jaden McDaniels in the front court and Naz Reid with additional reinforcement from the bench, the paint should be a warzone. Even with having the front court covered, you cannot forget about the star powered back court with Anthony Edwards, who is top-15 in the league in points per game (25.0), and Mike Conley, who is top-15 in the league in turnovers per game (0.3). Along with individual accolades, Minnesota has allowed the least number of points per game (100.8). This game will be a tough test for Utah but will show whether or not Utah can hang with the top teams in the west.
Key of the Game
Bench points. Last season, Utah was sixth in the league in bench points per game (38.8) while Minnesota was near the middle of the pack at 14th in the league (35.0). Utah has been reliant on the production of their bench this season where they are currently fifth in the league (42.8) where Minnesota is 17th in the league (33.8). With guys like Collin Sexton and Kelly Olynyk leading Utah’s bench unit, this stat will most likely be the reason Utah wins or losses this matchup.
Injury Report
Minnesota – Jaylen Clark (Achillies) 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
Where to Watch
Tip-off is at 6:00 p.m. MST on KJZZ and Jazz+.
The Hive Sports 
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