Utah Jazz face the Golden State Warriors in a tricky fixture - NBA Preview
On Friday night, at the Energy Solutions Arena, Salt Lake City, UT, the Utah Jazz will be playing host to the Golden State Warriors. This will be the last game of the season series between the two teams, with the Jazz having a
2-1 edge so far.
Within the time span of just one month, Utah have quickly gone out of the playoff picture and with their latest dilemma of losing their two draft picks, a matter of priorities has arisen. Utah who has now lost 5 of their last seven
games will be looking to win this one to increase their chances of making it to the playoffs.
Struggling to get a good start in games, the Jazz will have to come out of the blocks early if they want to make up ground for the last playoff spot in the Western Conference. Utah is currently one and a half games behind on the
eight placed Denver Nuggets.
Coming into the game, the Jazz lost to the Phoenix on Wednesday, Utah have also lost their previous two home games and will be looking to change that scenario while on the other hand, the Warriors will be going into the game on
the back of a come from behind win against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday. David Lee had a season high 31 points while Charles Jenkins, chipped in with 19 points.
But, Warriors away troubles might be a setback for them as they have lost on 9 of their last 11 visits to the Salt Lake City, the last one coming on March 17th.
Utah who might be without their point guard Devin Harris (ankle injury) will have a lot on their hands as they face off against the Warriors on Friday. Gordon Hayward will be coming into the game after getting his first career
double-double performance on Wednesday. He is averaging 18.4 points and 6.2 rebounds in last five games.
While behind David Lee who averages 20.1 points this season, Warriors rookies Klay Thompson and Charles Jenkins have been playing very well, Thompson has averaged 17.6 points in his last 15 outings while Jenkins has averaged 13.9
points in his last 7 outings. Lee is averaging 18.0 points and 12.0 rebounds against Utah this season.
In the Warriors previous visit, Jazz forward Derrick Favors had a career high night with 23 points and 17 rebounds as the Utah Jazz took that one 99-92 in overtime. Utah has also won the 2 of 3 against the Warriors this season.
The Warriors will be looking to set their away troubles aside as the matter of a draft pick hangs in a balance between the two teams. With all those teams jumbled up in the latter half of the Western Conference standing, the Jazz
have their best chance to redeem themselves as their schedule also helps them out with 4 of their last 5 games being played at home.
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