The Utah Jazz are now on the heels of two consecutive losses. Having won 8 straight prior to this recent skid, they’ll try to get back to their winning ways tonight in an inter-conference matchup with the Charlotte Hornets.
The Hornets (16-16) are an exciting young team, but one might hesitate to refer to them as rebuilding. With electrifying young stars like LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges delivering standout performances on a regular basis, this club may be rebuilt. Overall, they’re third in the NBA in Offensive Rating at 114.38.
They do, however, have trouble getting stops, unlike the Jazz (20-9). In fact, the Hornets’ 116.33 Defensive Rating ranks dead last in the entire league. Their lack of stopping power can probably be largely attributed to their lack of depth at the center position. Mason Plumlee is a solid role player in this league, but when he’s your best option at a position, it’s likely that you have a problem.
Especially in a contest against the Utah Jazz.
Utah Jazz vs Charlotte Hornets Tonight
According to WynnBet, the Jazz are a 12 point favorite against the Hornets, and a -750 point favorite on the money line. Charlotte is a +525 money line underdog.
The over/under is presently at 234.5 points.
Utah Jazz Starting Lineup
Nothing to see here. The Jazz are expected to use their typical starting lineup of Mike Conley, Donovan Mitchell, Royce O’Neale, Bojan Bogdanovic and Rudy Gobert against the Hornets tonight.
Utah Jazz Injury Report
Udoka Azubuike remains on the sidelines with a right ankle injury that has plagued him throughout the season. Meanwhile, Malik Fitts is listed as day-to-day with a shoulder injury.
Utah Jazz vs Charlotte Hornets Prediction
It does begin to feel a bit futile to predict Utah Jazz wins only to watch the club lose on a routine basis. Having said that, 2 consecutive losses should do little to change the league-wide perception of the Jazz as bonafide NBA title contenders.
They’re likely to reinforce that perception tonight. As previously mentioned, the Hornets lack a sufficient answer for Rudy Gobert’s interior prowess. They do sometimes like to go small with PJ Washington at the 5, and that’s been a strategy that has been effective against the Jazz before.
Having said that, it’s more often a recipe for Gobert to grab every available rebound. The Jazz should control the interior against this Hornets group tonight. Don’t look for the Hornets to make it easy, but unless the Jazz are particularly cold from beyond the arc, they should come away with a win in this contest.
Prediction: Jazz 124, Hornets 117
Utah Jazz vs Charlotte Hornets TV Channel
Hornets fans can catch this one on Balley Sports Southeast or Fox Sports Southeast. Meanwhile, Jazz fans should tune into AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain as usual.
Utah Jazz Schedule and Next Game
The Jazz go back to battling Western Conference foes next on December 23 for a contest with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
They’ll enjoy another 3-day break before a matchup with the Dallas Mavericks on Boxing Day. They’ll face the San Antonio Spurs the very next day on December 27, the Portland Trail Blazers on December 29, before a rematch with the Timberwolves on New Year’s Eve.