by Alma Bean
Feature Image by Brandon Dill of AP Photo
The Utah Jazz (6-12) takes on the Minnesota Timberwolves (13-4) on the tail end of a back-to-back road trip.
What to Look For
Utah is coming into a hostile arena as Minnesota is the top dog in the west. Minnesota has won five of their last six games with an 8-1 record at home where Utah is 1-8 on the road. Utah will be facing an uphill battle in this matchup since Minnesota not only has allowed the second-least number of points per game (106.2) but is top-five in point differential (+6.7). Both teams are averaging 112.9 point per game which will make this game a little more even, but this will be dependent on the defensive pressure early. With nearly every basic differential stat in Minnesota’s favor, Utah will need to play lights out to make this one a game.
Key of the Game
Paint presence. With the emergence of Omer Yurtseven and the return of Walker Kessler, Utah will have their first test with Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns. The combination of Gobert and Towns, they average 3.1 blocks and 20.5 rebounds per game. Along with Minnesota having Naz Reid, don’t be surprised in you see Minnesota attacking the paint to assert their dominance.
Injury Report
Minnesota – Jaylen Clark (Achillies) Out, Anthony Edwards (hip) Doubtful, Jaden McDaniels (ankle) Out, Jordan McLaughlin (knee) Out
Utah – Josh Christopher (G League) Out, Jordan Clarkson (thigh) Questionable, Kris Dunn (personal reasons) Out, Taylor Hendricks (G League) Out, Johnny Juzang (G League) Out, Kelly Olynyk (shoulder) Questionable, Brice Sensabaugh (G League) Out
Where to Watch
Tip-off will be at 6:00 p.m. MST on KJZZ and Jazz+.
The Hive Sports 
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