It’s just a month into the season but the Utah Jazz were already in need of a much-deserved break.
Through November 15, the Jazz played 16 games (most in the NBA), with 10 on the road (tied for the most in the league). They've already played four back-to-backs (tied for most in the league), all of which have come in different cities (most in the NBA). Their last nine games have all come in different cities.
After what’s been a difficult start to the season, the Jazz finally got a chance to sleep in their own beds on consecutive nights this week, spending much-needed time with their families, and overall taking a breather.
"It's so good," Hardy said about being home. "It's not just the physical recharge, but the mental and emotional recharge. For people to be able to be home with their families in their own space. … It doesn't matter how nice the hotel is, living out of a suitcase can get old. For people just to be in their own bed and their own space is great. These two days, the biggest focus for us as a group is to recharge.”
The Jazz have eight games remaining in November, four of which come on the road. They'll face LA twice, have two sets of back-to-backs, and road games at Golden State and Portland.
But before any of that, Utah faces Phoenix on Friday night. The Suns are continuing to defy the odds and thrive in the early parts of the year after a tumultuous end to their season in May and a rough offseason.
Looking to bust out of their three-game losing streak, one of the biggest benefits the Jazz have going for them is the play of their bench. They lead the NBA in scoring at 44.3 points per game, led by Collin Sexton and Malik Beasley — combining to average over 25 points per game on 39.3% shooting from beyond the arc.
STATS
Utah (10-6, 5-1 home / No. 4 Western Conference)
Offense
*116.6 Points Per Game (No. 7 in NBA)
*114.3 Offensive Rating (No. 8 in NBA)
Defense
*113.1 Points Per Game (No. 14 in NBA)
*110.4 Defensive Rating (No. 9 in NBA)
*Lauri Markkanen: 21.3 points | 8.4 rebounds | 2.3 assists | 34.7% 3P-shooting
*Jordan Clarkson: 17.9 points | 4.8 assists | 4.1 rebounds | 38.3% 3P-shooting
*Kelly Olynyk: 13.2 points | 4.8 rebounds | 3.1 assists | 49.0% 3P-shooting
*Malik Beasley: 12.3 points | 3.5 rebounds | 41.7% 3P-shooting
Phoenix (9-5, 2-4 away / No. 2 Western Conference)
Offense
*113.7 Points Per Game (No. 14 in NBA)
*115.5 Offensive Rating (No. 3 in NBA)
Defense
*107.0 Points Per Game (No. 5 in NBA)
*108.9 Defensive Rating (No. 3 in NBA)
*Devin Booker: 26.6 points | 5.8 assists | 4.6 rebounds | 37.6% 3P-shooting
*Mikal Bridges: 16.1 points | 5.4 rebounds | 46.7% 3P-shooting
*Deandre Ayton: 14.6 points | 7.7 rebounds | 37.5% 3P-shooting
*Chris Paul: 9.5 points | 9.4 assists
MATCHUP TO WATCH
*Jordan Clarkson vs. Devin Booker
— This matchup is simple. It features two of the more dynamic and creative shooting guards in the league, players capable of carrying their teams to victory when they’re on. Nobody makes as many tough shots as Clarkson, while Booker is very efficient in the way he attacks. Neither team has been dominant of late, so big performances from their guards will go a long was towards deciding the outcome.
INJURY REPORT
Utah
OUT | Rudy Gay (third MCP joint sprain left hand)
OUT | Ochai Agbaji (G League - On Assignment)
OUT | Leandro Bolmaro (G League - On Assignment)
OUT | Johnny Juzang (G League - Two-Way)
OUT | Micah Potter (G League - Two-Way)
Phoenix
QUESTIONABLE | Josh Okogie (right hamstring soreness)
QUESTIONABLE | Chris Paul (right heel soreness)
OUT | Jae Crowder (not with team)
OUT | Cameron Johnson (right meniscus tear)
OUT | Landry Shamet (concussion protocol)
BROADCAST INFORMATION
Time: 7:00 p.m. MST
Location Vivint Arena/ Salt Lake City, UT
TV: AT&T SportsNet
Radio: 1280 The Zone