Game Preview: Utah Jazz vs Milwaukee Bucks

Last night, the Utah Jazz suffered their first loss of the 2021-22 NBA season at the hands of the red-hot Chicago Bulls. Unfortunately, the squad will have a very short window to lick their wounds, as they lace up for a contest against the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks this evening.

While the Bucks have underwhelmed so far this season at 3-3, they’re one of the last opponents in the league the Jazz should be taking lightly on the tail end of a back-to-back. The safe money is on the Bucks beginning a surge at any moment, and the Jazz don’t want to be the catalyst for their success.

They’ll have several factors to consider if they wish to emerge from Milwaukee with a victory.

Utah Jazz fatigue

Any time a team is playing in the second game of a back-to-back, fatigue is a concern. Luckily, the Bucks find themselves in a similar position, having suffered a disappointing loss against the San Antonio Spurs last night.

With both teams dealing with fatigue, Quin Snyder and Gregg Popovich made find themselves in a chess match. In all likelihood, whichever team is able to maintain the freshest legs will have a good chance at securing a victory tonight.

Utah Jazz point guard Mike Conley is available

Last night, Conley sat out against the Bulls for the purpose of rest. Hopefully, he’s well rested enough to deliver in this contest against the Bucks.

Conley’s presence could be particularly beneficial in a contest that sees both teams coming off of disheartening losses the night before. His legs will be the freshest on the floor. Beyond that, the Utah Jazz struggled without their veteran floor general, producing a mere 99 points against the Bulls.

In all likelihood, they’ll need more than that to defeat the defending NBA champions.

Can the Utah Jazz overcome their collective shooting slump?

If we sound like a broken record, it’s only because the Utah Jazz are playing like one. Collectively, the Jazzmen are simply not shooting the 3 pointer well to begin this season. Last night’s 11/38 accuracy mark only served to emphasize that particular shortcoming.

If the Jazz can uncork the rim and sink a few more three-point attempts, it could go a long way towards securing victory against the talented Bucks this evening.

Ultimately, tonight’s contest serves as a valuable test for the Utah Jazz. A bounce back victory on the second half of a back-to-back would be quite an accomplishment at this young stage in the NBA season.