After a rough 0-5 start to the season, the Utah Jazz will have another chance to right the ship on Saturday night as they travel to face the Denver Nuggets, who start the year with a 2-3 record.
The Jazz now sit as the only team in the NBA without a win on their books for the new year, and as they head into this game as double-digit underdogs against one of the best teams in the Western Conference, securing their first of the season might not be the most the easy feat. Especially with Utah All-Star talent Lauri Markkanen dealing with back spasms that could sideline him for the time being, the road to victory looks that much more difficult.
However, the Nuggets may also be without a key name of their own in Jamal Murray. The Denver guard was placed in concussion protocol after yesterday’s loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, so the likelihood of us seeing him start this game 24 hours later doesn’t seem remote.
This game will be just Utah’s second road game of the season, as they have started four of their first five on their home floor. The Jazz struggled significantly on the road last season compared to when they were stationed at the Delta Center, amassing a 10-31 overall record. We’ll see if this young team can defy the odds against them.
With that, here’s everything you need to know ahead of Saturday’s tip.
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