What to Watch For: Utah Jazz at Oklahoma City Thunder
Georges Niang (31) dishes off a pass against the Oklahoma City Thunder
The Utah Jazz came up short against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night, losing 105-98 in their regular season home finale. The Jazz will finish the regular season on the road, beginning with a stop in Oklahoma City on Friday.
Jazz vs Thunder Throwback:
The Jazz and Thunder have taken each other on 193 times throughout history, with Oklahoma City leading the all-time series 112-81.
Utah is 2-0 against OKC this year, with a 110-109 win in the third game of the season, and a 106-96 win back in April. Bojan Bogdanovic led the way in the second game against the Thunder, scoring 23-points, while Conley chipped in 14-assists, and Rudy Gobert added 7-blocks.
Key Players:
Bojan Bogdanovic and Moses Brown were two of the top performers for their respective teams during the last time these two squads met up.
Bojan Bogdanovic (44) drills a three pointer over Moses Brown
Bogdanovic has been lights out recently, and looks to continue his hot hand through the remainder of this season. He is currently third on the team in points (16.9) per game, and knocked down 23-points last time he faced the Thunder.
Brown has averaged just over 7-points a game during the last five matchups, while hauling in 10.8-rebounds during that span. Last time out against the Jazz, Brown scored 12-points and had 15-rebounds.
Fun Facts:
The Association uniforms will be brought out for the final time this regular season during tonight's matchup against the Thunder. Utah is currently 17-9 in their white jerseys with their last win in the home-whites coming against the Houston Rockets last Saturday.
It was announced that 13,000 fans will be allowed inside of Vivint Smart Home Arena for the NBA Playoffs. Masks are still required, but the stadium capacity will be at just under 72%.
With a Jazz win and a Nuggets loss on Saturday, Utah has officially clinched one of the top two seeds in the Western Conference Playoffs. Utah will need to win their final two games of the regular season in order to clinch the number one seed in the NBA.
Donovan Mitchell's ankle was re-evaluated before last Friday's matchup against the Denver Nuggets, and it was once again announced that he will be 'out' and re-evaluated later this week. The Jazz are hopeful that he will be back in time for the first round of the playoffs.
The Utah Jazz were the first team to secure a spot in the 2021 NBA Playoffs, and currently hold the number one seed. They need to beat the Phoenix Suns by one game or more to obtain the one-seed, and the Jazz currently are holding a one game lead over their nearest challenger. Read about the two teams upcoming schedules here.
The Utah Jazz need to win their final two games of the regular season in order to clinch the number one seed in the NBA. Utah has a 50-20 record, and will look to carry their winning ways with them as they head to postseason play. The Jazz are currently in first place in the NBA and Western Conference, and are leading the Phoenix Suns by one game, and the Los Angeles Clippers by three games in the Western Conference. They also lead the Philadelphia 76ers by three games, and the Brooklyn Nets by four games in the Eastern Conference.
Oklahoma City was eliminated from playoff contention after going 21-49 on the year, and finishing in third to last place in the NBA. The Thunder are in second to last place in the Western Conference as well. In their last five games, OKC is 0-5 losing to the Sacramento Kings (x3) and the Golden State Warriors (x2).
Donovan Mitchell (right ankle sprain) continues to be 'out' for the Jazz. Juwan Morgan (heel) and Mike Conley (right hamstring) are listed as PROBABLE for Friday night's game. You can read more details about these injuries on the Jazz injury report. Conley is quoted as saying, "(There's no better way of getting back into a rhythm and getting back into game shape than playing in games." He also said that he'll be on a minutes restriction but that he's unsure of what that will be.
Ty Jerome (calf) is questionable, while Luguentz Dort (knee), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (foot), Mike Muscala (ankle), and Al Horford (team decision) are all listed as out against the Jazz.
How to Consume:
The Utah Jazz will face the Oklahoma City Thunder at 6pm MST. Jazz fans can watch the game on AT&T SportsNet, and can also tune into the game on 97.5FM or 1280AM.
Rudy Gobert (27) goes for a block against the Oklahoma City Thunder
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