Jonah BallowWolves Editor/Writer
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Wolves @ Jazz 8 PM - Energy Solutions Arena
WHERE TO WATCH: FSNORTH
WHERE TO LISTEN: KFAN 1130
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Scouting Report:
Big Picture:
During this time of the year, NBA squads are fighting for playoff position while trying to build momentum heading into the postseason. Utah finds itself in the thick of the Western Conference race with a 43-24 record and No. 4 spot, just two games behind Dallas and Denver. The upcoming photo finish out west presents must-win scenarios for the Jazz down the stretch if the team expects to enjoy home court advantage for the first round of the playoffs. On Monday night, Utah soared past Washington, even leading by 34 points during a gigantic run over the second and third quarters.
Last Meeting:
Minnesota owns a 2-1 season series advantage on Utah, including a thrilling 110-108 victory for the Wolves on December 14. In the last meeting, the Jazz narrowly escaped the Target Center with a 107-103 win.
Backcourt:
Utah is hoping to keep All-Star Deron Williams in one piece for the playoffs as the point guard deals with a sore left shoulder. Williams is crucial to the Jazz overall success with his team-leading 10.3 assists per game and 18.6 points per game. In the group of elite floor generals in the league, Williams can dictate the pace, determining whether he needs to score or distribute the basketball. On December 30, Williams recorded a double-double, scoring 21 points and 12 assists along with reaching the free throw line eight times. The powerful point man averages 25.7 per game against Minnesota, mostly inflated due to the 38-point outburst in the second matchup in Utah. Rookie Jonny Flynn seems to thrive on the opposite side of the floor of Williams. He scored 28 points in 29 minutes and streaked past Williams on a pick-and-roll play for the game winner on December 14. In his short career, that performance ranks near the top after Flynn shot 11-for-19 from the floor and dished out five assists in the mano y mano battle. The look of the Jazz backcourt has changed since the trading deadline. Utah shipped Ronnie Brewer to Memphis in a cap-clearing deal, only receiving a protected 2011 first-round pick in the exchange. Jazz rookie Wesley Matthews has stepped into the starting lineup at the shooting guard spot and he showed promise by scoring 29 points against Oklahoma City on Sunday night.
Frontcourt:
Carlos Boozer's consistent play for a majority of the season is easing some of the negative feelings from Utah fans. Entering the Western Conference playoffs where size is a premium, the Jazz will rely on Boozer to produce in the paint. He is also a force on the glass, grabbing double-digit boards in every game against the Wolves this season. Boozer is a difficult defensive assignment with his ability to post up on the blocks and roll of screens to drain 18-foot jumpers. Center Mehmet Okur is also a dangerous frontcourt option for Utah. Okur floats out towards the three-point line to damage opponents from the perimeter and establish a high-low offensive set for Jerry Sloan's ball movement scheme. For Minnesota, Kevin Love performs well when facing Utah, averaging 15.3 points and 11.7 rebounds in the three meetings this year. The power forward hopes for a bounce back game tonight after missing all seven field goal attempts last night in Phoenix. Obviously, Love is still trying to recover from the mid-foot sprain that kept him off the court for two consecutive games.
What To Look For:
Expect to watch one of the most fundamentally sound teams in the league tonight. Utah ranks first in field goal percentage, fourth in free throw percentage, first in assists, and fifth in points per game. The onus is on Minnesota to regain a defensive identity after allowing a record 152 points in the loss to the Suns. The Wolves have an opportunity to capture a season series victory tonight, holding a 2-1 advantage over Utah this year.
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