Utah Jazz at Portland Trail Blazers: Keys to the Game

Key Match-up – Joe Ingles and CJ McCollum

It was great to see Rodney Hood and Derrick Favors back in action last night against the Timberwolves, but I have to admit that I actually liked seeing the two of them come off the bench, especially Hood as I believe that Joe Ingles has proven to be a better fit among the starters. Ingles logged 34 minutes last night and made the most of them and I presume that especially as Hood looks to ease his way back from injury, Slo-Mo Joe may get the nod at starter again tonight.

If so, he’ll have to do a much better job of containing electrifying shooting guard CJ McCollum than in the last contest while also being more productive himself. McCollum had the best game of any Blazer as he finished the night with 25 points on 11-of-22 shooting from the field. He was held scoreless from the arc, however, so that was at least one positive result for the Jazz.

Surprising though it may be, Ingles has become Utah’s best wing defender and has excelled against some of the most prolific scorers in the league. Thus, more than anything, the Jazz will need Joe out there for his defense so that he can keep McCollum in check and prevent him from sparking this Portland team to a victory.

However, more offensive production out of Ingles than what we saw in the last bout against the Blazers would be nice, too. Joe had a rare off-night in that contest as he finished the game with just two points on 1-of-4 shooting. He was back to his sharp-shooting ways in last night’s contest against Minnesota, though, so I expect him to be back on track once again tonight.

If that holds true and he also manages to keep McCollum in check, the Jazz may very well come away with their 50th win of the season tonight.