The Denver Nuggets, currently enjoying a four-game winning streak, are preparing to host the Utah Jazz. The Nuggets are almost at full health, while the Jazz are dealing with a number of absences.
For the Nuggets, this is their third game in four nights after securing a pair of high-scoring victories. The Jazz, meanwhile, are missing several rotation players, including Lauri Markkanen and Kyle Filipowski. Jusuf Nurkic and Jaren Jackson Jr. are also out.
Jazz’s Defensive Struggles Present Opportunity for Denver
The Jazz are currently fourth in the NBA in pace. They also have the worst defensive rating in the league. The Jazz have lost seven of their last eight games.
Denver only managed to beat them by three points at the start of March. If Denver allows the game to become a fast-paced shootout, Utah has previously demonstrated an ability to keep up.
It is up to the Nuggets to dictate the tone and style of play in this game. They will want to secure another victory as they aim to improve their home-court ranking for the playoffs. Overlooking the Jazz would be a mistake.
Nuggets’ Defensive Focus
The Nuggets have been struggling with slow starts recently. They then started starting faster but letting teams keep pace with them for a half or more.
Denver needs to start working on their playoff execution. Part of that involves improving their defensive play. Christian Braun fouled out early against the Dallas Mavericks. Peyton Watson hasn’t been involved in a ton of defensive action since his return. Aaron Gordon has been physical but not a shut-down defender as he ramps back up from his multiple leg injuries.
Denver needs to be in their offensive flow from the jump against a beat up Utah team. It’s on defence where they really need to be vocal and take steps forward.
- Nuggets Injury Report: None listed
- Jazz Injury Report: Kyle Filipowski (day-to-day, illness), Isaiah Collier (out, hamstring), Keyonte George (out, hamstring), Jaren Jackson Jr. (out, knee), Walker Kessler (out, shoulder), Lauri Markkanen (out, hip), Jusuf Nurkic (out, nose)
The Nuggets have scored 142, 125, 128 and 121 points during their four-game win streak. Scoring has not been a problem – so finding their defensive identity again has to take priority.
The Nuggets will be looking to start the right way and impose their defensive identity on the game.