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The Oklahoma City Thunder play host to the Utah Jazz on Monday night in a Western Conference showdown from the Paycom Center. The Jazz have struggled this season and bring a two-game losing streak into this one. For the Thunder, they've impressed to the tune of second place in the Western Conference and got back into the win column the last time out. The Thunder won three out of four last season in this series, all three coming to close out the season, as they look to replicate that success in this one. With teams making their return from the in-season tournament, both teams will want to get off to a fast start in this one.
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The Jazz had high hopes coming into the season but are off to a slow start, with injuries not helping them along. As mentioned earlier, they've lost two in a row and four of their last five, as they sit at 7-15 on the season. It doesn't help matters that they've been dreadful on the road, with a 1-10 record, which is a problem that they'll need to sort out sooner rather than later. Having to go to Oklahoma City isn't going to make things any easier for their road woes, especially with some challenging games upcoming. If the Jazz want to work their way into the Western Conference race, this game is the perfect opportunity for them to get confidence and momentum back going in a positive direction.
With the small break in the schedule, Utah will be hoping that they can avoid some of the injury woes that have plagued them at times this season. Lauri Markkanen (hamstring) remai ns out though, which is a brutal blow considering how dominant he has been at times this season.
The Jazz like to play a fast tempo but with a field-goal percentage that ranks 28th in the league, making shots has been an ongoing struggle. They have the advantage in this one when it comes to the three-point shot. They rank tenth in the league in three-pointers made and against a strong defense, will need the perimeter to be strong to keep pace. Being without Markkanen (23.7 ppg) will be a challenge and it'll fall on Jordan Clarkson (17.1 ppg) to find success in this one. The defense has struggled as well but with Walker Kessler back in the fold, they should find improved efficiency on that side of the ball, though it seems unlikely that it's enough in this one.