The Brooklyn Nets continue their 5-game road trip as they get ready to visit the Utah Jazz tonight at the Vivint Smart Home Arena. This will be the first of two matchups between the two teams this season. The Nets will enter this one on a 5-game losing streak with a 27-17 record.
The Jazz, meanwhile, have been a revelation this season. They currently hold the 6th spot in the Western Conference with a 24-24 record and have won 4 of their last 5 games. Their last game was a blowout win against the Los Angeles Clippers on January 18, with a final score of 126-103. The young squad seems to have greatly benefited from the improved play of forward Lauri Markkanen this season, who is currently averaging 24 points and 9 rebounds.
On the other hand, the star-studded Brooklyn Nets have held their ground so far this season. After starting off slow, they picked up the pace, going on a 12-game win streak at one point. They currently hold the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference standings, having lost their last game against the Phoenix Suns 112-117.
Kyrie Irving is listed as available for the Brooklyn Nets vs Utah Jazz game tonight
The star trio of Durant-Irving-Simmons has been crucial for the Nets this season. Kyrie has played 33 games this season so far, averaging 25/5/5. Ben Simmons has been holding his own, orchestrating the Nets’ offense and bringing some defensive strength to the team. Both Irving and Simmons are listed as available for tonight’s game.
“He’s gonna be out at least 3-4 weeks… he’s only missed 1 game all season.”
Shams Charania laid out how Kevin Durant’s latest MCL sprain will keep him out 🗣
(via @FanDuelTV)pic.twitter.com/WHomIqmo7A
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) January 10, 2023
Star forward Kevin Durant was averaging almost 30 points per game before he got sidelined for a month with an MCL sprain of his right knee at the start of the year. For tonight’s game, he will remain out.
For the Jazz, they will be missing the services of forward Kelly Olynyk who is out for tonight’s game with an ankle injury. Here are the injury reports and expected roster for the Nets-Jazz game tonight:
Brooklyn Nets injury report
- Kevin Durant (Out)
Brooklyn Nets expected roster
- Ben Simmons
- Kyrie Irving
- Joe Harris
- Royce O’Neale
- Nicolas Claxton
Utah Jazz injury report
- Kelly Olynyk (Out)
Utah Jazz expected roster
- Mike Conley
- Jordan Clarkson
- Malik Beasley
- Lauri Markkanen
-
Walker Kessler
The Utah Jazz are favored to win against the Brooklyn Nets
The last time these two teams faced off against each other, the Brooklyn Nets secured the win with a final score of 114-106 but that result is unlikely to repeat tonight.
Kevin Durant was the leading scorer for the Nets in that win, going off for 37 points. For the Jazz, Mitchell scored 30 points but that just wasn’t enough to get the win. However, it is worth noting here that this will be a home game for the Jazz, who hold a 15-8 home record. Plus, they have won their last 2 games, so that winning momentum should help.
The Nets will look to end their 5-game losing streak, but the Jazz will surely make it tough on them. All that being said, this game still promises to be a good contest between two good teams.