by Alma Bean
Feature Image by Megan Nielsen of Deseret News
The Utah Jazz (16-20) takes on the Philadelphia 76ers (23-11) on the second night of a back-to-back of their three-game road trip.
What to Look For
This game is going to be interesting before tip-off happens. Both teams are on the second night of a back-to-back but they both lost their games by 25+ points. Even with the loss, Utah is looking as if they’re turning their season around as they’ve won three of their last four games. Philadelphia is currently going down a slippery slope as they have lost three of their last six games. Though Philadelphia is starting to slide, Utah cannot ignore the 2023 NBA MVP Joel Embiid who is currently first in the league in points per game (34.6) and rebounds per game (11.8).
The seven-foot center will be tough for Utah to defend given his athleticism and ability to facilitate the averaging six assists per game. Embiid will look to get a favorable switch as Lauri Markkanen will most likely be the primary defender to start the game due to his height and wingspan. Once Embiid gets the switch he wants, which will most likely be Simone Fontecchio or John Collins, Embiid will use his post moves to get a tough bucket or make his way to the free throw line. Neither will be good for Utah as Embiid is shooting 21.7 field goal attempts per game making 53.5 percent of them and is shooting a career-high in free throw percentage with 88.2 percent.
If Utah can manage to slow down Embiid, they will need to also account for Tyrese Maxey. Maxey is having a breakout season as he has taken on the starting point guard position. Since taking that role, Maxey is averaging career-highs in points per game (26.0), rebounds per game (3.7) and assists per game (6.5). Out the gates, Philadelphia will run plays that will cater to Maxey’s court vision leading to a corner three, where they shoot 41.7 percent, or a midrange pullup near the free throw line shooting 54.7 percent.
Key of the Game
Ball movement. Utah will be going into a “No Fly Zone” when it comes to Philadelphia’s defense. Philadelphia is fifth in the league in force turnovers per game (14.2) and first in the league in steals per game (9.1). With an aggressive defensive backcourt with De’Anthony Melton and Kelly Oubre Jr. averaging 2.9 steals per game, Utah will need to keep their guard up when handling the ball. Wouldn’t be surprised if Philadelphia tried to apply additional pressure towards Utah’s secondary backcourt Jordan Clarkson and Keyonte George, who are averaging a combined 5.2 turnovers per game with a combined AST/TO ratio of 1.9 this season.
Injury Report
Philadelphia – Tobias Harris (ankle) Questionable
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 will be at 5:00 p.m. MST on KJZZ and Jazz+.
The Hive Sports 
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