Jazz vs. Thunder: Pregame Primer

Jazz (33-31, 10-23 road) vs. Thunder (47-17, 28-4 home)

TV: FS Oklahoma
Stream: Click here
Radio: WWLS The Sports Animal (98.1 FM, 640 AM, 97.1 FM Tulsa)
Time: 7:00 CT

Offensive Rating: Thunder – 112.9 (1st), Jazz– 106.7 (10th)
Defensive Rating: Thunder – 103.1 (8th), Jazz – 107.1 (20th)
Pace: Thunder – 93.6 (8th), Jazz – 91.2 (20th)

View from the enemy: Salt City Hoops

Just what the doctor ordered after a disappointing loss in San Antonio. A return trip home to play a sliding Jazz team. Which I guess makes them a little dangerous, since they’re desperate. Their playoff hopes are sliding, but at the same time, they just aren’t playing very good basketball, especially on the road.

The last meeting between these teams featured a beatdown in the fourth quarter as the Jazz overwhelmed the Thunder in the paint. Their perimeter players were knocking down shots which provided space and room, while the inside guys crushed the boards and created second chances. OKC’s big men have to take a little more pride in stopping Utah’s frontline attack or things could be interesting.

Utah coming in: Won Monday against the Pistons.

Shootaround Sound

SCOTT BROOKS

REGGIE JACKSON

Three Big Things

1. Frontline. That’s where the Jazz focus their attack and it’s going to have to be the Thunder’s primary defensive mission.

2. Hot start. Russell Westbrook has burned out of the gates the past few weeks but has slowed down since his ankle tweak. A good sign would be one of those signature Westbrook starts tonight to provide a good early spark.

3. Bench. Just play better, alright?

Tip at 7:00 CT. Go Something.