Jonah Ballow
Wolves Editor/Writer
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Wolves vs. Jazz 7 PM - Target Center
WHERE TO WATCH: FS North
WHERE TO LISTEN: KFAN 1130

Scouting Report:
Big Picture:

Kurt Rambis DOWNLOAD MP3

The 17-13 record would suggest Utah is primed for a postseason run in the thick of the competitive Western Conference race. However, the Jazz teeter on the cut off line at the eighth spot, just a half game ahead of Oklahoma City. During the recent five-game road trip after a defeat to Minnesota, Utah took care of business against sub .500 reams. The team then struggled to score in Atlanta (83 points), Orlando (99 points), and Miami (70 points), which resulted in losses for the Jazz. Head coach Jerry Sloan has adjusted the starting lineup since the two teams met over a week ago. C.J. Miles is back at the small forward position and Wesley Matthews was sent to the bench, effectively moving Ronnie Brewer to his natural shooting guard spot.

Last Meeting:
Minnesota squeaked out a 110-108 victory on December 14 behind a game-winning layup from Jonny Flynn. Both teams scored with relative ease in the first half but held Utah to just 17 points in the third quarter. The Wolves earned their second win over the Jazz this season after an impressive 108-101 performance nine days before the first meeting.

Backcourt:
Following a miserable offensive output against Atlanta, Deron Williams bounced back with solid numbers in the next four games, including a 27-point outburst last Saturday night. Williams continues to dish out 10 assists per game to rank third in the league behind Chris Paul and Steve Nash. At the Target Center, Minnesota held Williams in-check as he only scored 18 points on 7-for-18 shooting. The second matchup was a completely different story with Williams cruising to a season-high 38 points. Fortunately, the Wolves feature a terrific counter at the point guard position as Flynn elevated his game in a memorable battle. On his way to scoring 28 points, Flynn displayed an incredible ability to hit jumpers when Utah allowed space on the perimeter. The hot-shooting from the outside created the open avenue for Flynn to drive past Williams and finish the layup with 3 seconds left in the contest. Overall, Flynn enjoyed his best game as a professional while building confidence against a top-notch point guard.

Frontcourt:
In the first matchup, Carlos Boozer posted a double-double to provide the post presence for Utah. Mehmet Okur added 16 at the center spot but struggled from the 3-point line, shooting 1-for-6. The Jazz like to dump the ball into the post for Boozer to work on the blocks and then Okur steps out to the arc to stretch the defense. On the opposite side, Kevin Love flourished in his second game of the season after returning from a broken hand. His impact on the Wolves roster was evident, scoring 18 points and grabbing 10 rebounds off the bench. Minnesota leaned on Al Jefferson in the second meeting and the center finished with 23 points in the second victory over Utah this season. Interesting enough, both teams are dead even inside the paint but the Wolves own a rebounding advantage (+12) in the series. Forward Ryan Gomes will play an essential role for Minnesota as he works back into the lineup after suffering a high ankle sprain against Sacramento on December 12. When the Wolves entertained the Jazz at the Target Center, Gomes was unconscious by nailing 9-of-10 from the field and perfect at the charity stripe.

What To Look For:
Disrupting the exceptional Utah ball movement is the key for Minnesota's defense. The Jazz dish out the most assists in the league and rank third in field goal percentage. Last night, the Wolves failed to score 100 points, falling to the Spurs 117-99 in San Antonio. Averaging 109 points per game against Utah, the hometown team needs to find the scoring touch tonight to jump back on the win column.

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