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Game Preview: Pacers at Jazz

Last Updated: Jan. 21 at 01:00 AM ET

Matchup

Following a disappointing loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night, the Pacers (22-20) regroup and head to Utah for a meeting with a familiar face in a new place.

Over the offseason, one of the Pacers' biggest moves was shipping George Hill — a member of the Pacers for five seasons — to the Jazz (28-16) as a part of a three-team trade that sent Jeff Teague to the Pacers.

On Saturday night in Salt Lake City, the same place where Paul George poured in a career-best 48 points last season, the Pacers will aim to close their three-game west coast swing with a victory.

Turnovers were a huge factor during their loss in L.A., as Indiana coughed up possession a whopping 21 times. Even though the Pacers were able to force a season-high 24 turnovers from the Lakers, it was negated by the differential on the glass, where Indiana was beat out 51-37 (16-8 on offensive rebounds).

Against the Jazz, that type of carelessness with the ball won't suffice, as Utah ranks second the NBA in defensive efficiency. Additionally, the Jazz rank among the league's best rebounding teams, giving the Pacers a difficult test for the second night of their road back-to-back.

But like the Pacers, Utah will also be playing on the second night in a row. On Friday, the Jazz nabbed an overtime victory on the road in Dallas in which Utah's starting center Rudy Gobert posted an absurd stat line of 27 points and 25 rebounds — the first 25-25 game of the 2016-17 season.

In order to come away victorious in Utah, the Pacers will need to sharpen many areas of their game that were missing on Friday. Indiana got to the line 25 times, but made just 18 of them. They made 10 3-pointers, but allowed 14. They forced 24 turnovers, but gave up 21.

However, after a furious 22-point comeback on Wednesday, followed by a disheartening loss on Friday, Saturday offers a chance for the Pacers to make a statement about its road performances, which as their 6-15 record away from Bankers Life Fieldhouse indicates, has been a troublesome area.

But against the Jazz, currently fifth in the standings in the Western Conference and winners of seven of their last 10, it won't come easy.

Projected Starters

Jeff Teague

Jeff Teague

Glenn Robinson III

Glenn Robinson III

Paul George

Paul George

Thaddeus Young

Thaddeus Young

Myles Turner

Myles Turner

George Hill

George Hill

Joe Ingles

Joe Ingles

Gordon Hayward

Gordon Hayward

Derrick Favors

Derrick Favors

Rudy Gobert

Rudy Gobert

Pacers: PG - Jeff Teague, SG - Glenn Robinson III, SF - Paul George, PF - Thaddeus Young, C - Myles Turner
Jazz: PG - George Hill, SG - Joe Ingles, SF - Gordon Hayward, PF - Derrick Favors, C - Rudy Gobert

Injury Report

Pacers: Rodney Stuckey - out (left hamstring strain)

Jazz: Rodney Hood - questionable (bone bruise)

Last Meeting

December 5, 2016: Despite a career-high 48 points from Paul George, the Pacers fell 122-119 to the Utah Jazz at the Vivint Smart Home Arena.

The game wouldn't have been close had it not been for heroics of George, whose stroke from beyond the arc helped Indiana overcome a 17-point, second-half deficit.

The contest remained tight for much of the fourth quarter, but the Pacers seemingly took control down the stretch as George and Stuckey scored six points each over a three-minute stretch to turn a 96-96 tie into a 108-103 lead with 1:18 to play.

The extra period was an exciting one, featuring five lead changes. Indiana moved in front, 119-118, on C.J. Miles' fastbreak bucket with 1:02 left, but that would be the last time they scored on the evening, as Utah claimed the victory on its home floor.

Noteworthy

  • Former Pacers point guard George Hill starts for the Jazz. Hill played five seasons in Indiana, averaging 12.3 points, 3.9 assists, and 3.7 rebounds.
  • Both Gordon Hayward and Shelvin Mack of the Utah Jazz played for the Butler Bulldogs in Indianapolis.
  • The Utah Jazz swept the regular season series with the Pacers last season after Indiana won six of seven regular season matchups from 2012-15.

Tickets

The Pacers return home following their Western Conference swing on Monday, Jan. 23 for a primetime matchup with the New York Knicks. Tipoff is slated for 8:00 PM ET. Find Tickets »

Broadcast Information TV & Radio Listings »

TV: FOX Sports Indiana - Chris Denari (play-by-play), Quinn Buckner (analyst), Jeremiah Johnson (sideline reporter/host)
Radio: 93.5 FM/AM 1070 The Fan - Mark Boyle (play-by-play), Pat Boylan (studio host)

Away Game Night Special

Pacers Lounge Pants - $12. Game Night Specials can be purchased online the day of each away game from 10:00 AM - Midnight. Order Online »