Before they gorge themselves in Thanksgiving feasts with their families on Thursday, Utah has some business to take care of first. The Jazz will look to get back to their winning ways when they host the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night — tipoff is set for 7 p.m. MST.
It’ll also be a special night for Bojan Bogdanvoic, the former Jazzman who makes his return to the snowy mountains after being traded to Detroit this past offseason.
A key free-agent signing before the 19/20 season, the Clutch Croatian was immediately embraced by the Jazz fanbase with his strong work ethic, obvious love of the game, and ability to hit a memorable game-winning shot.
Bogdanovic averaged 18.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.9 assists throughout his career in Utah, shooting 49.6 percent from the floor and 39.7 percent beyond the arc. The fan-favorite was one of the greatest shooters to put on a Jazz jersey, ranking in the top-10 of multiple shooting categories.
He’s ranked No. 5 (189, 2019-20) and 10 (181, 2021-22) in most three-pointers made in a single-season, and No. 3 in free throw percentage (90.3%, 2019-20). He leaves Utah ranked third in free throw percentage (88.0 percent), fifth in made three-pointers (550), and No. 10 in points per game (18.4).
In exchange for Bogdanovic, the Jazz acquired center/forward Kelly Olynyk, guard Saben Lee, and cash considerations. While Lee is no longer with the Jazz, Olynyk has been sensational as the team’s starting forward.
He’s averaging 12.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists, while shooting a career-high 50% from three-point territory. His ability to space the floor has been huge in Utah’s offense, allowing other Jazz players to thrive in their current roles. He’s also emerged as one of Utah’s vocal leaders, helping the team adjust to so many new faces in the locker room.
While the Pistons won their first game on the road this season after defeating Denver on Tuesday night, the Jazz come into Wednesday’s showdown following a tough loss to the Clippers on Monday night.
"I'm a part of this group too. … I obviously didn't have a perfect night if we lost by 7," head coach Will Hardy said about needing to be better. "I'm never going to sit here and blame the team, blame the players for us losing a game. … We win together, and we lose together. I'll go back, watch the film, and figure out what we can do to help our team be better."
STATS
Utah (12-7, 6-1 home / No. 2 Western Conference)
Offense
*117.4 Points Per Game (No. 3 in NBA)
*115.4 Offensive Rating (No. 4 in NBA)
Defense
*114.5 Points Per Game (No. 22 in NBA)
*112.1 Defensive Rating (No. 18 in NBA)
*Lauri Markkanen: 22.4 points | 8.5 rebounds | 2.4 assists | 36.1% 3P-shooting
*Jordan Clarkson: 19.0 points | 4.6 assists | 3.9 rebounds | 37.5% 3P-shooting
*Malik Beasley: 13.6 points | 3.6 rebounds | 41.4% 3P-shooting
*Collin Sexton: 12.9 points | 2.5 rebounds | 35.3% 3P-shooting
Detroit Pistons (4-15, 1-10 away / No. 15 Eastern Conference)
Offense
*109.4 Points Per Game (No. 24 in NBA)
*108.9 Offensive Rating (No. 24 in NBA)
Defense
*118.0 Points Per Game (No. 28 in NBA)
*117.5 Defensive Rating (No. 29 in NBA)
*Bojan Bogdanovic: 20.6 points | 3.9 rebounds | 2.4 assists | 40.2% 3P-shooting
*Alec Burks: 16.3 points | 39.3% 3P-shooting
*Jaden Ivey: 16.2 points | 4.9 rebounds | 4.2 assists | 32.6% 3P-shooting
*Saddiq Bey: 14.7 points | 4.8 rebounds
MATCHUP TO WATCH
*Kelly Olynyk vs. Bojan Bogdanovic
— The two players who were traded for one another will take center stage on Wednesday night. With point guard Mike Conley out, Olynyk has to take on a more prominent role in the offense as both a scorer and assist-man, something he’s proven to do when needed. Bogdanovic is an elite shooter and scorer, and a monstrous performance from him on Wednesday will be needed.
INJURY REPORT
Utah
OUT | Mike Conley (popliteus strain left leg)
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)
Detroit
N/A
BROADCAST INFORMATION
Time: 7:00 p.m. MST
Location Vivint Arena/ Salt Lake City, UT
TV: AT&T SportsNet
Radio: 1280 The Zone