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The Minnesota Timberwolves play host to the Utah Jazz in a Western Conference showdown on Thursday night from the Target Center. The Jazz sit on the outside looking in on the playoffs for now, while the Timberwolves sit in first-place in the standing. Even with the struggles, the Jazz still have a two-game winning streak as they head into this one, while Minnesota has five wins in their last six. In the lone meeting this season, the Timberwolves came away with the 28-point win, making it look easy at home. They'll be hoping to replicate that in this one, in a matchup fans will want to tune in for.
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The Jazz have had a rough start to the season, carrying a 6-11 record into this one, which is good for 12th in the Western Conference standings. Despite talent on the roster, the wins haven't followed. Struggles on the road are a big reason why, with their 1-7 road record bring about serious concerns as to what the future holds for them in this one. Against Minnesota earlier this season, they struggled in a road matchup, losing by almost 30 points. They'll be hoping that this rematch won't bring about a similar result but unless there are widespread changes on both sides of the ball, they could be destined for a similar result.
It hasn't helped matters that the Jazz have struggled to stay healthy this season too, as they carry four injuries into Thursday night. Kelly Olynyk (shoulder) and Jordan Clarkson (thigh) are both questionable, while Lauri Markkanen (hamstring) and Kris Dunn (personal) were out for Wednesday. Given the key pieces involved here, it could spell trouble for this matchup.
The Jazz have struggled on the offensive end and adding in the injuries, it could be an issue in this one. Minnesota is one of the top defensive teams in the league, though Utah will need to find an advantage from the three-point line. Markkanen (23.7 ppg) and Clarkson (18.1 ppg) represent their top scorers, as that can be difficult to replace. John Collins and Collin Sexton and are the only other double-figure scorers on the roster and will have to carry the brunt of the load in this one. The defense ranks in the bottom third of the league in most defensive categories, which serves to only put even more pressure on the offense.
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