The Houston Rockets are set to face off against the Utah Jazz this Sunday in Salt Lake City. The game starts at 3 p.m. EST. Houston, currently holding a record of 12-4, sits in third place in the Western Conference. In contrast, Utah, with a record of 6-12, is positioned 11th in the same conference.
Houston’s Road Win Streak
The Rockets are looking to maintain their impressive four-game road winning streak. They hold a 5-3 record in Western Conference matchups this season. As of now, they lead the league with an average of 16.8 offensive rebounds per game, showcasing their tenacity on the boards. Steven Adams has been a standout player in this aspect, averaging 5.0 offensive rebounds per game.
Utah’s Performance Overview
On the other hand, the Jazz have struggled in conference play, sporting a 3-9 record. They are currently averaging 118.6 points per game, ranking seventh in the Western Conference. Utah’s field goal shooting stands at 45.2%, slightly below the Rockets’ defensive allowance of 45.3%.
Statistical Insights
- Points per Game: Rockets average 121.1, while Jazz allow 125.2.
- Last 10 Games:
- Jazz: 3-7, 122.3 points, 45.0 rebounds, shooting 46.3%.
- Rockets: 8-2, 118.9 points, 49.3 rebounds, shooting 46.9%.
Key Players
Several players have stood out in recent performances. Lauri Markkanen leads the Jazz with an average of 28.5 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. Keyonte George has also made headlines, averaging 31.0 points over the last 10 games.
For the Rockets, Kevin Durant is a significant contributor, scoring an average of 24.6 points and securing 4.8 rebounds per game. Reed Sheppard is hitting his stride, with an average of 31.0 points and 9.0 rebounds over the last ten matchups.
Injury Updates
Both teams are dealing with injuries that could impact their performance on Sunday. For the Jazz, Georges Niang and Walker Kessler are sidelined. The Rockets have several injuries as well, with Fred VanVleet out for the season, and Kevin Durant and Steven Adams listed as day-to-day.
This matchup promises to be an exciting contest as the Rockets aim to extend their road win streak and the Jazz look to improve their season record. Fans can expect high-scoring action as both teams showcase their offensive talent.
