USA Today via Reuters
Dec 17, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) drives to the basket between LA Clippers guard Terance Mann (left), LA Clippers guard Luke Kennard (5), forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and Clippers forward Nicolas Batum (33) during the second quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 17, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) drives to the basket between LA Clippers guard Terance Mann (left), LA Clippers guard Luke Kennard (5), forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and Clippers forward Nicolas Batum (33) during the second quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
The Utah Jazz have had a mixed start to their regular season. In the first game against the Blazers, they had a pretty comfortable night as they defeated the Blazers 120-100.
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Against the Timberwolves, things were pretty different. The Jazz were pretty inefficient against the Wolves, as they only shot 29.4% beyond the arc. They were ousted by Minnesota with a 116-111 scoreline.
The OKC Thunder meanwhile kicked off their season with a close win against the Charlotte Hornets. their young Star Shai Gilgeous Alexander scored the last minute winner. They will look to build on this victory as they face the Utah Jazz.
Utah Jazz vs Oklahoma City Thunder–Injury and Lineup Updates
Jazz
The Utah Jazz are coming off a disappointing loss to the Timberwolves. After such an all-round performance against the Trail Blazers, Utah will be disappointed with the underwhelming display against the Wolves.
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 12, 2020; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) and forward Bojan Bogdanovic (44) grab a rebound against Phoenix Suns forward Mikal Bridges (25) in the first quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
The Jazz only have a few players who are doubtful for the game against the Thunder. Their backup center Derrick Favors is doubtful as he suffers from a knee injury. He did play against the Timberwolves and played for a total of 18 points on the court.
With a fit duo of Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, the Jazz will hope that they can be back to the winning ways.
Possible Lineup
Mike Conley (G)
Donovan Mitchell (G)
Bojan Bogdanovic (F)
Royce O’Neale (F)
Rudy Gobert (C)
Thunder
The OKC Thunder finally played their first game of the season as they faced off against the Charlotte Hornets. The Thunder are in a rebuild right now, so much was not expected off of the side.
To everyone’s surprise they came up clutch against the new look Hornets. Their young stars Darius Bazley and Luguentz Dort alongside head man Shai Gilgeous Alexander were the best performers of the game.
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 18, 2020; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (8) shoots as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) defends during the second half at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
The two players they will be missing from their lineup are Ty Jerome and Trevor Ariza. Jerome who suffered from a left ankle sprain is unavailable. Apart from Jerome, Ariza is likely to miss the game tending to personal reasons.
The Thunder have an impressive combination of talented young players and some experienced veterans like Al Horford and George Hill. They can be a real problem if they perform at their best.
Possible Lineup
Shai Gilgeous Alexander (G)
George Hill (G)
Luguentz Dort (F)
Darius Bazley (F)
Al Horford (C)
Prediction
After such a disappointing loss to the Timberwolves, the Jazz will look to bounce back against the OKC Thunder. They face a decent side in Thunder, who have shown that they are prone to turnovers. With a stacked roster, the Jazz are the favorites to win the game.