by Alma Bean
Feature Image by Renee Jones Schneider of the Star Tribune
The Utah Jazz (6-13) returns home to take on the Portland Trail Blazers (6-12) for the third time this season.
What to Look For
Now being the third time that these teams have met in the last 18 days, these games tend to get a little more difficult the more familiar you are with each other. This was proven in their most recent matchup where Portland was able to tie up the season series 1-1 with an impressive 121-105 win at home after losing 115-99 a week prior. Both teams have gained a little bit of momentum as Utah is 2-2 since their previous meeting but Portland is 2-1 since then. A big part of their success has been the return of Malcolm Brogdan. Since Brogdan’s return he’s averaging 18.4/3.6/7.8 while propelling Portland to a 3-2 record after the team started 3-11. If Utah wants to slow down this Portland team, they need to focus on Brogdan as he currently has an AST/TO ratio of 3.9 since his return.
Key of the Game
Turnovers. At this point this stat may seem like a broken record but Utah’s lack of true guard play shows in the number of turnovers they have. Since Utah has been without Lauri Markkanen, not only has Utah struggled to score having their two lowest scoring games of the season, but they’ve been turnover heavy. In Markkanen’s four-game absence, Utah is averaging 18.3 turnovers per game along with setting their season-high in turnovers against the New Orleans Pelicans with 24 turnovers. Keyonte George has been finding his footing now that he has 11 starts under his belt but it has led to more turnovers in Markkanen’s absence. George in Markkanen’s absence has an AST/TO ratio of 1.3 where George had an AST/TO ratio of 2.7 in games played with Markkanen.
Injury Report
Portland – Anfernee Simons (thumb) Out, Ish Wainwright (knee) Out, Robert Williams III (knee) Out
Utah – Josh Christopher (G League) Out, Jordan Clarkson (thigh) Out, Kris Dunn (personal reasons) Out, Lauri Markkanen (hamstring) Out, Kelly Olynyk (shoulder) Out
Where to Watch
Tip-off will be at 7:30 p.m. MST on KJZZ and Jazz+.
The Hive Sports 
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