Oklahoma City Thunder vs Utah Jazz Pregame Analysis

by Alma Bean Feature Image by Kyle Phillips of AP Photo The Utah Jazz (22-20) takes on the Oklahoma City Thunder (27-13) as Utah fights to be in the playoff conversation. What to Look For After a tragedy in the NBA world yesterday with the passing of Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojevic, Utah…

by Alma Bean

Feature Image by Kyle Phillips of AP Photo

The Utah Jazz (22-20) takes on the Oklahoma City Thunder (27-13) as Utah fights to be in the playoff conversation.

What to Look For

After a tragedy in the NBA world yesterday with the passing of Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojevic, Utah returns to work to defend the Delta Center. Utah is taking on an Oklahoma City team that struggled to get a win against either Los Angeles team on their current road trip. They are also on the verge of having their largest losing streak of the season. Utah on the other hand is looking to extend their current season-high winning streak to seven games and 10-straight home wins.

Though Utah is hot now, last time these teams met Oklahoma City came away with the win 134-120. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City with 30/4/7 while Keyonte George gave a valiant effort scoring a career-high with 30/3/7. Having George almost have identical stats to Gilgeous-Alexander and being one of four players for Utah to have a positive +/- rating (Kris Dunn: +11, Taylor Hendricks: +5, Luka Samanic: +22) looking promising in the losing effort.

Key of the Game

Defensive rotations. With Oklahoma City having players that can stretch the floor like Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, Utah will need to execute switches perfectly. Along with those big men, Josh Giddey will keep Utah on their toes as he has been able to find narrow passing lanes all season. Utah may need to mix the rotations slightly so that Ochai Agbaji and Simone Fontecchio can focus on their perimeter defense and Collin Sexton sticking to Gilgeous-Alexander.

Injury Report

Oklahoma City – Ousmane Dieng (G League) Out, Keyontae Johnson (G League) Out, Olivier Sarr (G League) Out, Lindy Waters III (G League) Out

Utah – Taylor Hendricks (G League) Questionable, Johnny Juzang (G League) Out, Micah Potter (G League) Out, Jason Preston (G League) Out, Brice Sensabaugh (G League) Questionable

Where to Watch

Tip-off will be at 7:00 p.m. MST on KJZZ and Jazz+.

Author

Written by

Alma Bean

I am currently a student at the University of Utah working toward my second bachelor’s degree, this time in communication with an emphasis in journalism. I currently have a bachelor’s degree in music from Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Florida. As I pursue a degree in communication, I dream to bring this emphasis of journalism to the world of sports. When I’m not writing, I allow my inner basketball fan to come out as I watch previous games and highlights across the NBA to become a walking, talking sports almanac.

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