The Hive Sports

by Alma Bean

Feature Image by Lynne Sladky of AP Photo

The Utah Jazz (27-34) looks to come back to Salt Lake City and end their three-game losing streak as the visiting Washington Wizards (9-51) are looking to end their 14 game losing streak.

What to Look For

With the increasing injury report, Utah will need to have the “next man up” mentality tonight. Utah will have a familiar star in play in Collin Sexton available and will leaned on more heavily. Since February, Sexton has has been averaging 20.1/2.0/5.4 with shooting splits of 49.1/46.2/81.3 along with 2.8 steals per game over the last four games. Utah is hoping that this game will serve as a wake up call for Jordan Clarkson who has been in a bit of a slump the last few games. Since the All-Star break, Clarkson has been averaging 12.0/4.0/7.3 with shooting splits of 34.0/20.0/90.0. Easy to see that “The Flamethrower” is struggling to find a spark but Washington may be the game to reignite his flame.

Washington, though they’re going through their own struggles, has some bright points that may catch Utah off guard. Deni Avdija has been a quiet killer for Washington this season as he is averaging 13.6/6.6/3.8 with shooting splits of 51.0/41.2/74.5 this season. Though his numbers may not be eye popping, since February Avdija has been great as he has averaged 19.5/8.9/3.2 2 with shooting splits of 54.3/50.0/70.2 along with a 43 point game against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Key of the Game

Rookies. Given the current injury report, Utah will need to rely on the future of their franchise to step up if they want to win this game. Keyonte George since February has made a turn for the better and silencing the doubters. George has averaged 16.3/3.1/9.7 with shooting splits of 44.4/31.4/83.3 including two 30+ point performances and tying the NBA record for most made three-point shots in a game by a rookie (9) during that span. These stats should be exciting for Utah fans as almost all of these numbers exceed his season averages.

Taylor Hendricks and Brice Sensabaugh saw limited action this season before the trade deadline due to the log jam of frontcourt players on Utah’s roster. Sensabaugh is still trying to find his footing adjusting to the NBA speed, but Hendricks is looking like he’s ready to take the next step. Hendricks since the All-Star break he is averaging 9.4/8.0/0.8 with shooting splits of 50.0/30.0/100.0. Along with his offensive production, Hendricks is having an incredible impact on defense while influencing Sensabaugh, who had been rumored to be struggling badly in the G League in defensive schemes. Though the trades have not resulted in more wins, but it has allowed Utah’s rookies to grow and fight to keep their minutes.

Injury Report

Utah – Keyonte George (illness) Questionable, Walker Kessler (foot) Out, Lauri Markkanen (quad) Out, Otto Porter Jr. (away from team) Out, Micah Potter (G League) Questionable, Jason Preston (G League) Questionable

Washington –Isaiah Livers (hip) Out

Where to Watch

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