What to Watch For: Utah Jazz vs Chicago Bulls
The Utah Jazz will once again take on the Chicago Bulls, making this the second time in as many weeks that these two have faced each other. The Jazz are coming off of a 111-107 win over the Memphis Grizzlies two days ago, and will look to extend their seven game winning streak on Friday night.
Jazz vs Bulls Throwback:
The Utah Jazz have faced the Chicago Bulls 104 times throughout history. The Bulls hold a slight all time lead over the Jazz 53-51, but Utah is currently on a four-game winning streak against their counterparts.
Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert were extraordinary during Utah's previous matchup with Chicago on March 22. Mitchell scored 30-points and added 6-assists, while Gobert set a career high with 9-blocked shots during the game. Gobert came up one block shy of notching the Jazz' first triple double since Carlos Boozer did it in 2008.
Key Players:
Rudy Gobert and Nikola Vucevic will face off for the second time this season. This will be the first time that Gobert will take on Vucevic in a Chicago Bulls uniform.
Gobert was dominant against the Chicago Bulls on March 22, chalking up a career high 9-blocks during the matchup. Utah's Center leads the team with 13.3 rebounds, 2.9 blocks, and a 64.8% field goal percentage. Last time out against the Memphis Grizzlies, Gobert finished with 8-points, 12-rebounds, and 2-blocks.
Vucevic leads the Bulls in rebounds with 11.6 per game. Vucevic was traded by the Orlando Magic on trade deadline day, making his way to Chicago with teammate Al-Farouq Aminu. Last time out against the Phoenix Suns, Vucevic led the team with 24-points and 2-steals.
Fun Facts:
The Jazz will wear their 'City' uniforms against the Bulls on Friday night. Utah's last game in the black and gradient jerseys came in a 114-75 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers earlier this week. The Jazz are currently 8-2 in this fan-favorite uniform combination.
Utah's charter flight hit a flock of birds as they took off from Salt Lake City International Airport Tuesday afternoon. The plane suffered damage, but was able to turn around and make it back to the Salt Lake Airport safely before the team took off once again to take on the Memphis Grizzlies. The Jazz have returned home safely from that one game road trip, and are looking forward to playing against Chicago later tonight.
The Jazz tied a franchise record for most home wins in a row (20) as they beat the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night. The 20-win mark matches the record held between February 26, 1998 and March 5, 1999.
The Utah Jazz are 7-0 in their last seven games and will look to continue that win streak against the Bulls on Friday. The Jazz currently own a 36-11 record, and are in first place in the NBA. Utah leads the Phoenix Suns by three games and the Los Angeles Clippers by five and a half games in the Western Conference. They also lead the Brooklyn Nets by three games and the Philadelphia 76ers by three and a half games in the Eastern Conference.
The Chicago Bulls are 0-5 in their last five games, with their last win coming over the Detroit Pistons on March 21. Their losses during that span have come against the Utah Jazz, Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs, Golden State Warriors, and Phoenix Suns. Chicago is currently in tenth place in the Eastern Conference.
Joe Ingles is 'probable' (lower leg soreness) and Juwan Morgan (calf) is 'out' according to Utah's injury report. Donovan Mitchell will be back in action against the Bulls, after not travelling with the team to play the Grizzlies a few days ago. Zach LaVine (ankle) and Coby White (neck) are listed as 'questionable' while Garrett Temple (hamstring) is 'out' for tonight's game against Utah.
How to Consume:
The Utah Jazz will face off against the Chicago Bulls tonight at 7pm MST at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Jazz fans can watch the game on AT&T SportsNet. They can also tune into the games on 97.5FM or 1280AM.
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