NBA Matchup: Denver Nuggets vs Utah Jazz
Date: 17 January 2022
Time: 8 P.M. ET
The Denver Nuggets will host the Utah Jazz on Sunday, January 16, in the second game of a back-to-back for the home team. The Nuggets are coming off of a dominant win against the Los Angeles Lakers, while the Jazz is looking to end their four-game losing streak.
Denver Nuggets season so far
The Denver Nuggets have steadily improved in the 2021-22 NBA as they are currently sixth in the western conference. Denver has had some trouble of their own at the offensive end, ranking 23rd in the league and averaging just 106.4 PPG. While they are slightly better at home, where they average 108.0 per game.
The Nuggets rank 20th in three-point shooting percentage (34.1%) on 36.1 attempts per game, although they rank third in two-point shooting percentage (55.7%) on 49.9 two-point attempts per game. The Nuggets are ranked 9th in scoring defence, surrendering an average of 105.7 PPG.
The best player in the world and LeBron James#NikolaJokic #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/SebRu0mjmh
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) January 16, 2022
The Denver Nuggets are led by Nikola Jokic who is averaging 25.3 points while shooting 56.7% from the field and 35.8% from the 3-point line with 13.9 rebounds and 7.2 assists. With the absence of Jamal Murray and Micheal Porter Jr., Will Barton has been great with his 15.3 points and 4.2 assists.
Utah Jazz season so far
The Utah Jazz has been one of the top teams in the 2021-22 NBA season. But in the recent few games, the Jazz has lost its groove, losing four straight games. Utah currently leads the NBA in points per game, averaging 115.1 PPG this season.
However, during their last three games, they are only averaging 106.7 PPG. Utah ranks second in the league in three-point attempts per game, at 40.9, and the Jazz rank 6th in the league in three-point shooting percentage, at 36.8%. Jazz also lead the entire Association in two-point shooting percentage, at 57.3%.
It’s a 2-for-1 vote day and we’ve got some work to do …
1 RT = 2 Votes ????#NBAAllStar | @spidadmitchell pic.twitter.com/jUS8jAXl49
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) January 13, 2022
The Utah Jazz is led by Donovan Mitchell who is averaging 25.7 points with 3.8 rebounds and 5.1 assists. Spida Mitchell also leads the team in steals with 1.6 steals per game. Forward Bojan Bogdanovic is the second top scorer for jobs with his 17.9 points and 4.1 rebounds.
Denver Nuggets vs Utah Jazz Match Prediction
Although both teams have already met twice this season and the Jazz won both games, this time the Nuggets come to this match with a better sequence and momentum than their opponents. Additionally, playing in front of their fans this Sunday at the Ball Arena is one more advantage for the Nuggets.
So, the Denver Nuggets are more likely to win the game and improve their home record this weekend.
Injury Report
Denver Nuggets
Rodney McGruder – Not Injury Related – Expected to be out until at least Jan 18
JaMychal Green – Covid-19 – Expected to be out until at least Jan 23
Austin Rivers – Illness – Expected to be out until at least Jan 16
Vlatko Cancar – Foot – Expected to be out until at least Apr 1
Michael Porter Jr. – Back – Out for the season
PJ Dozier – Knee – Out for the season
Jamal Murray – Knee – Expected to be out until at least Mar 1
Utah Jazz
Elijah Hughes – Covid-19 – Expected to be out until at least Jan 17
Udoka Azubuike – Not Injury Related – Game Time Decision
Hassan Whiteside – Covid-19 – Expected to be out until at least Jan 19
Jared Butler – Covid-19 – Expected to be out until at least Jan 17
How to watch Denver Nuggets vs Utah Jazz?
AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain and Altitude will provide local TV coverage of the game between the Jazz and Nuggets. Fans can also view the match online via NBA League Pass.
Also read: NBA Injury Report: Los Angles Clippers Drop A Major Update on Paul George
