Spurs Catching Jazz on Off Night? 5 Questions Ahead of Matchup
The San Antonio Spurs are eager to snap their 16-game losing streak. If they want to do that tonight, they'll have to beat the Utah Jazz, something they were unable to do in Saturday night's loss.
To learn more about the Jazz's current state of affairs, we spoke with The Frozen Rope: Inside the Jazz publisher Patrick Byrnes.
1. What kind of adjustments do you expect the Jazz to make from Saturday's game?
The big thing is for the starters to come out with more energy out of the gates. The Jazz looked lethargic on defense in the first quarter. I personally would like to see Utah shorten their rotation with their depth being hit hard due to the Westbrook trade. I would like to see them go to a nine man rotation. The back of their bench is really bad.
2. Kris Dunn played well in the last meeting Saturday. What do the Jazz want to see out of him while on the 10-day contract?
Dunn was a huge add for Utah. He’s really the only “facilitator” first type of point guard on the roster. Sexton and THT aren’t traditional type point guards. He’ll definitely be on the roster past his 10 day. Even when Sexton comes back I would think Dunn will be in the rotation. Losing Conley and Alexander-Walker created a need for another PG moving forward.
3. What's one thing people should know about the Jazz that cannot be found in a box score?
There’s too much talent on the roster to tank. After the Westbrook trade people felt the Jazz would free fall to the lottery. Not the case. They’re going to win half their games with Markkanen, Kessler, Sexton, and Clarkson on the roster. Even with no depth.
4. If the Jazz lose tonight, what would be the reason?
It’s possible Olynyk and Sexton don’t play. Jazz are vulnerable to injury since the deadline. They could really lean on their bench when they had Sexton, Beasley, and Vanderbilt. Not the case anymore. It’s a make or miss league. Jazz should be heavy favorites but the Spurs can catch them on an off night. Spurs won earlier this year. It can definitely happen again.
5. What's your prediction for tonight's game?
If Jazz are at full strength I think they run away with it. If Olynyk and Sexton don’t play then it could be a game. I’ll say Jazz by 10-15.
You can follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.
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