The Utah Jazz (13-25) are kicking off a four-game roadtrip tonight in Cleveland, taking on the Cavaliers (22-18). After teetering between tanking and a play-in position, the Jazz have slid the in the standings to the sixth-worst record in the NBA. While this is good for Utah’s odds of retaining their first-round draft pick this summer, the way they have gotten there hasn’t been pretty. Utah’s monstrous 55-point loss to the Charlotte Hornets last week was some of the worst basketball played in franchise history. It even featured the single worst box score plus/minus in NBA history, with Cody Williams minus-60.
Regardless of if it helps the team’s draft stock, losing like this isn’t a good sign for player development or building winning habits. Fortunately, the Jazz get another shot to play a bit better, facing off against former Jazz Star Donovan Mitchell. While the Cavaliers have played questionable basketball at times this season, unsurprisingly, Mitchell has put up impressive counting stats. He’s averaged 29.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game.
The Jazz are expected to play a mostly healthy roster tonight, with Ace Bailey as questionable and Jusuf Nurkic as probable.
How to watch
When: 5:00 PM MT
Where: Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH
Channel: KJZZ, Jazz+
