by Alma Bean
Feature Image by Eric Christian Smith of the Associated Press
The Utah Jazz (22-22) looks to avoid a three-game losing streak as they take on the New Orleans Pelicans (25-18).
What to Look For
Utah is currently cooling down after a hot stretch to start off January. Before losing two games in a row, Utah had won eight of nine games to start the calendar year. New Orleans in the same time frame has a 6-4 record with all of their wins being by 10+ points and three of their four losses being by double digits.
Utah will have to keep an eye on Zion Williamson, who tends to go above and beyond against Utah. This season, Williamson is averaging 23.5/7.0/7.5 while his shooting splits are 63.3/100/66.7. All the numbers mentioned are above his season averages, but given Utah’s current roster, it’s difficult to match a 6’6, 284 lbs. unit. Utah will most likely try to match his force with either size or agility. This will leave Utah with two options, John Collins or Walker Kessler.
Collins at 6’9 will provide a slight size advantage but the 60 lbs. difference will be tough throughout the game. To start the game, Collins will force Williamson to run consistently and hopefully get Williamson winded sooner rather than later. Kessler will serve as a backup plan and his minutes will reflect the performance of Collins. Once Kessler is on the floor, Williamson will most likely keep his game closer to the perimeter and look to be a facilitator with the occasional post up move. Depending on how New Orleans handles this matchup and switches will be the deciding factor in this game.
Key of the Game
Perimeter shooting. New Orleans doesn’t shoot too many perimeter shots, they’re bottom-five in the league in attempts (31.7) but shoots 38.2 percent from the perimeter. CJ McCollum averages 7.9 three-point attempts per game while making 43.4 percent.
Even on the defensive end, New Orleans is third in the league for lowest opponent three-point percentage (34.3%). Given how Lauri Markkanen and Collin Sexton shot a combine 5/18 (27.8%) from the perimeter in their last game on Saturday, Utah may want to focus on the paint.
Injury Report
New Orleans – Matt Ryan (knee) Out
Utah – Kris Dunn (illness) Questionable, Taylor Hendricks (G League) Out, Johnny Juzang (G League) Out, Micah Potter (G League) Out, Jason Preston (G League) Out, 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 
Leave a Reply