NBA Matchup: Utah Jazz vs Indiana Pacers
Date: 11th November 2021
Time: 9:00 PM ET
Utah Jazz, currently 2nd seed in the western conference will host, eastern conference 13th seed Indiana Pacers. Jazz has an 8-3 record while the Pacers managed a 4-8 record for this season.
Utah Jazz this season
Utah Jazz lost to LA Clippers last season, with some heroics from Donovan Mitchell in the playoffs. Mitchell has continued putting great performances this season also, keeping Jazz in top position in West. Donovan Mitchell with most of the floor time for Jazz is leading them in points per game (25.9) and assists per game (5.3)
Rudy Gobert, as consistent for them in rebounding, has maintained his top position with 15.9 rebounds per game. With back-to-back losses to Miami Heat and Orlando Magic, Jazz grabbed a win against Atlanta Hawks in their latest fixture.
Is the Rudy between-the-legs jumper too high or too low? 🤔#InstantRewind | @socioshoops pic.twitter.com/aQFCjkiBII
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) November 10, 2021
Also Read: NBA Injury Report: LA Lakers Give Major Update on LeBron James Return
Indiana Pacers this season
In the absence of Malcolm Brogdon, Domantas Sabonis has been the Pacers’ primary scorer. Brogdon has played a total of six games, averaging 22.7 points per game and 6.7 assists. While in his absence, T.J. McConnell has provided 5.4 assists and Sabonis managed 20+ points per game.
Although the Pacers lack a Superstar to carry the team, they have managed to grab buckets from nearly all starters, while the bench contribution is below average as compared to other teams.
Also Read: Why Did the Philadelphia 76ers Reject Malcolm Brogdon for Ben Simmons Trade?
Utah Jazz vs Indiana Pacers Match Prediction
The offensive firepower of Donovan Mitchell and Defensive support from Rudy Gobert made Utah Jazz a team to watch out for. The bench strength of Jazz is also commendable with Jordan Clarson and Joe Ingels keeping score moving, and Ex-Miami Center Hassan Whiteside protecting the rim.
Indiana Pacers have proved that they can cause an upset with a win over the Eastern Conference heavyweight Miami Heat. But the team is heavily dependent on Domantas Sabonis. Myles Turner will have the heavy task of scoring with Gobert just around the paint area.
Offensively, the Jazz are in 4th place with 111.5 points per game, while Indiana is able to score 108 points per game. Looking at defensive strength, the Jazz will be able to outscore their season average, while Indiana might need to find their way through mid-range shooting.
With both sides healthy, the match will be in favour of Utah, maybe allowing some more minutes to their bench players.
Injury Report
Utah Jazz:
Rudy Gay (Heel): Expected to be back by Nov 16th
Elijah Hughes (Illness): Game-time decision
Indiana Pacers:
Caris LeVert (Back): Game-time decision
T.J. Warren (Foot): Expected to be back by Dec 29th
Isiah Jackson (Knee): Game-time decision
How to watch Utah Jazz vs Indiana Pacers?
Utah Jazz and Indiana Pacers will have their 1st match of the season at Vivint Arena. Nationally, ESPN will be broadcasting the game, while international viewers can log on to NBA League Pass.
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