by Alma Bean
Feature Image by Megan Nielsen of Deseret News
The Utah Jazz (26-26) takes on the Phoenix Suns (30-21) for their one-game road trip after the trade deadline.
What to Look For
Coming into this game, Phoenix is not only trying to defend their home court, but they’re going in for the season sweep. Though Phoenix has a 3-0 record over Utah this season, their last two matches have come down to the final shot, including a controversial no-call in double overtime. The battle of gladiators Kevin Durant and Lauri Markkanen will be a sight to see. In the series, Durant is averaging 34.3/7.0/8.7 on shooting splits of 61.7/52.4/100 while Markkanen is averaging 26.0/7.3 along with 2.0 blocks with shooting splits of 51.9/38.1/76.2. Even with these two battling it out, keep an eye out for Grayson Allen. Not only is Allen shooting 47.1 percent from the perimeter against Utah this season, but he is shooting 52.3 percent from the perimeter at home. His success on the perimeter will be determined by the perimeter defense played by Kris Dunn and Collin Sexton. If Dunn can play similar defense to the second half of Tuesday’s win against the Oklahoma City Thunder, then Allen should be in for some trouble.
Key of the Game
Secon chance opportunities. Utah is second in the league in offensive rebounds per game (12.7) while Phoenix is near the bottom of the league (9.9). This looks to be in Utah’s favor but both teams allow just over 14 second-chance points per game. Given the trades that have occurred for both teams, these numbers might receive a boost with the changes to their rotations. For Utah to keep things within reach, John Collins and Walker Kessler will have to lock things down in the paint on the defensive end to limit Phoenix’s second-chance opportunities.
Injury Report
Phoenix – Keita Bates-Diop (traded) Out, Bradley Beal (ankle) Questionable, Devin Booker (hip) Questionable, Jordan Goodwin (traded) Out, Damion Lee (knee) Out, Chimezie Metu (traded) Out, Royce O’Neale (traded) Out, David Roddy (traded) Out, Yuta Watanabe (traded) Out
Utah – Ochai Agabji (traded) Out, Simone Fontecchio (traded) Out, Johnny Juzang (G League) Out, Kevin Knox II (traded) Out, Kira Lewis Jr. (traded) Out, Kelly Olynyk (traded) Out, Otto Porter Jr. (traded) Out, Micah Potter (G League) Out, Jason Preston (G League) Out, Brice Sensabaugh (hip) Questionable
Where to Watch
Tip-off will be at 7:00 p.m. MST on KJZZ and Jazz+.
The Hive Sports 
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