Game Preview: Utah Jazz @ Washington Wizards

March Game Streams -- Bullets Forever -- Jazz Game Thread

Tonight the 21-39 Utah Jazz face off against the 31-29 Washington Wizards. Yesterday the members of the Utah Jazz toured different historical sites around Washington, DC and tonight they'll try to view one more historical sight, a win.

In Utah's last matchup, they suffered embarrassment heartbreak a kick to the groin devastation rock bottom a basketball to the groin Armageddon Biedrins' home videos a blowout loss, 114-88, on the road to the league worst Milwaukee Bucks. In that last matchup only Gordon Hayward and Enes Kanter made the flight to Milwaukee. Gordon Hayward had 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. Enes Kanter had a new career high in points while going for 27 points and 14 rebounds. Other than their collective effort the Jazz did their best Philadelphia 76er impression and lost by 26 points.

In Washington's last matchup, they lost at home against the surging Memphis Grizzlies. In that game the behind a very balanced effort and a time machine game by Tayshaun Prince, the Memphis Grizzlies were able to steal a win in Washington despite John Wall's 23 points and Bradley Beal's 21. The Grizzlies #GritAndGrind front court of Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph took advantage of Washington's void of a power forward and they put up a combined 26 points, 17 rebounds, 9 assists, 4 steals, and 3 blocks. Ultimately, the Wizards without Nene just couldn't stop the Grizzlies.

[Sidenote: Crazy to think that the 34-25 Memphis Grizzlies are a 1/2 game out of the Western Conference playoffs while the 31-29 Washington Wizards are the 5th seed in the East.]

Injury Watch

Washington

Nene Hilario- Out

Kevin Seraphin - Out

Martell Webster - Game Time Decision

Utah

Biedrins - Out (Free Throw Related)

Matchups To Watch

Trey Burke vs John Wall

John Wall is a huge challenge for most point guards because of his insane athleticism and speed. He and Russell Westbrook are the Mt. Rushmore of athletic point guards in the NBA. (Get well soon, D-Rose) In the month of February alone John Wall averaged 20 points, 9 assists, and 4 rebounds and he's continuing those averages going into March.

While John Wall has been playing at a high level, Trey Burke has hit a wall. In February, he was shooting season lows from the field and from deep. His assists took a little dip as well. The good thing is he is still keeping his turnovers to a minimum and avoiding making costly mistakes. But his size, or lack thereof, is going to get challenged today as he faces off against 6 foot 4 John Wall. Keep an eye on this one.

Favors/Kanter vs ???

The current Washington Wizards frontcourt consists of Marcin Gortat and Trevor Booker. Nene is currently injured and so is Kevin Seraphin. After Gortat and Booker, there isn't much rounding out the front court. Last game Gortat had 41 minutes and Booker had 38. The Jazz's deep front court should be able to rotate fresh bodies to matchup against the Wizards walking wounded. It would be a big win for the Jazz if Kanter, Favors, Williams, and Evans held their own in this matchup and dominated the paint.

Gobert vs Washington Monument

Enough said.