Jazz Look To Build Win Streak Against Surprising Pacers
Dec 2, 2022, 12:51 PM
Bennedict Mathurin of the Indiana Pacers (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Jazz will look to win their second straight game when they host the Indiana Pacers on Friday night.
The Jazz snapped a five-game losing streak on Wednesday taking down the shorthanded Los Angeles Clippers 125-112.
The Pacers meanwhile role into Utah having won seven of their last 10.
Jazz Shorthanded Against Pacers Without Conley
It’s been nearly two weeks since Mike Conley last suited up for the Jazz in their 118-113 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.
The veteran guard hyperextended his knee against the Trail Blazers early in the third quarter and hasn’t seen the floor since.
The Jazz are 1-5 in Conley’s absence but snapped their winless streak behind the play of Jordan Clarkson and Collin Sexton against the Clippers.
Mike Conley remains out for the @utahjazz tomorrow against the @Pacers.
OUT – Mike Conley (popliteus strain left leg)
OUT – Rudy Gay (third MCP joint sprain left hand)
OUT – Johnny Juzang (right wrist sprain)
OUT – Micah Potter (G League – Two-Way)
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 1, 2022
Clarkson played 22 of the 24 available second half minutes against the Clippers while Sexton was on the floor for 20 minutes in the games closing quarters.
The two players combined for 54 points on an efficient 18-31 shooting, and 6-11 from the three-point line.
Coach Will Hardy also made a change in the second unit sitting Talen Horton-Tucker for the entirety of the game and giving the backup point guard minutes to Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
Pacers In Midst Of Long Road Trip
The Pacers will be playing their fourth game in a seven-game Western Conference road trip when they face the Jazz.
Indiana is 1-2 to start the trip with losses to the Clippers and the Sacramento Kings, separated by a win over the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Pacers have been one of the most surprising teams in the NBA this season at 12-9, fueled by the breakout play of guard Tyrese Haliburton and Rookie of the Year frontrunner Bennedict Mathurin.
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Haliburton is averaging an All-Star-worthy 19.3 points, 11.2 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists for the Pacers while Haliburton is adding 19.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists over his first 21 games in the NBA.
Haliburton is listed as questionable for the Pacers with a groin injury.
The Pacers will conclude their road trip with stops in Portland, Golden State, and Minnesota.
Utah Jazz Vs. Indiana Pacers
The Utah Jazz and the Indiana Pacers will tip off at 7 pm MT in Salt Lake City. The game will be televised on AT&T SportsNet and can be heard on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone. The game will also be streamed on DirecTV Stream and FuboTV.
