The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz at Charlotte Hornets: Keys to closing road trip on a high note

By Jared Woodcox

SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 2: Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets gets introduced into the starting lineup against the Sacramento Kings on January 2, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 2: Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets gets introduced into the starting lineup against the Sacramento Kings on January 2, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NC – JANUARY 10: Dwight Howard #12 of the Charlotte Hornets stretches before the game against the Dallas Mavericks on January 10, 2018 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – JANUARY 10: Dwight Howard #12 of the Charlotte Hornets stretches before the game against the Dallas Mavericks on January 10, 2018 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Key #2 – Neutralize Charlotte’s strengths on the boards and with turnovers

Although the Charlotte Hornets have clearly been a mediocre team at best this season, they actually do have a number of significant strengths that have helped lead them to some big-time wins. Among these, two that really stand out are their rebounding and ability to take care of the basketball.

The Hornets are third in the league in rebounds per game (46.4), fifth in rebound percentage (51.6 percent) and fourth in rebound differential (+2.9). That’s hardly a surprise with one of the league’s best rebounders, Dwight Howard, looming in the paint for the Hornets as he individually is logging the fourth most rebounds in the NBA at 12.1 per game.

Rebounding hasn’t been a strength for the Jazz, so if they’re not careful, this could become a major area of concern with which Charlotte absolutely dominates the ball-game. Fortunately, Utah has been excellent at forcing opponents into turnovers, which could help them neutralize the Hornets’ other major strength of taking care of the ball.

https://twitter.com/hornets/status/951929286516092928

On the season, the Hornets are third in the league in turnovers per game with just 13.1 such giveaways per contest. The Jazz, meanwhile, are second in the league in steals at 9.2 per game and seventh in the league in opponent turnovers as they force 15.6 per game. This match-up will feature a Charlotte team that’s careful with the ball and a Utah team that excels at taking the ball away, so that battle of wills may very well end up determining the winner.

Whichever team’s typical strength is converted into a weakness by that of the opponent may very well find themselves on the losing end of this one. The Jazz will need the extra possessions and easy baskets that opponent turnovers tend to create if they hope to win, so keeping a close eye on Charlotte’s giveaways tonight will be an important aspect of the game to follow.

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