Who's Playing
Matchup : Toronto Raptors @ Utah Jazz
Records : Raptors (8-1), Jazz (4-5)
Game Preview
The Raptors roll into Utah having blown out the Lakers on the first half of their road back-to-back, and they did it without Kawhi Leonard in the lineup. Leonard jammed his foot in Saturday's 107-98 win over the Phoenix Suns and he was always going to sit at least one half of the back-to-back, but he remains questionable heading into Tuesday's game with the Jazz.
The Raptors did not shootaround on Tuesday, so an official update on Leonard's status will be expected closer to game time.
Without their star, the Raptors played their best basketball on Monday, getting off to a hot start at Staples Center and never let the Lakers get into a rhythm. Getting the crowd out of the game early will be a key Tuesday, as the Jazz who are historically good at home are still searching for their first win of the season at Vivint Smart Home Arena.
The Raptors haven't had a ton of success on the road in Utah going 8-14 all-time, but they're riding a two-game winning streak winning at Vivint Smart Home Arena and have beat the Jazz in four of the last five meetings.
Utah will be without guard Donovan Mitchell who will miss the game with a left ankle sprain, which will give Aussie Joe Ingles a lot more responsibility on the offensive end. Ingles will be looking to bounce back after a 4-point (1-of-4 3PT) outing against the Denver Nuggets.
After being one of the league's best defensive teams last season the Jazz have struggled on that end of the floor to start the year allowing opponents to score 108.7 points per game. They're coming into Tuesday's game on a three-game skid after blowing a 73-68 lead in the fourth quarter losing to the Denver Nuggets 103-88.
The key matchup will be Kyle Lowry versus Ricky Rubio. Without Mitchell, in the lineup, Rubio will be asked to score and create offence a bit more the Jazz, if Lowry can contain him it will be a huge advantage for the Raptors.
Last Time They Played
Date : January 26, 2018
Score : Jazz 97, Raptors 93
Jazz : Donovan Mitchell — 26 points, 4-for-7 from 3pt
Raptors : Jonas Valanciunas — 28 points, 14 rebounds, 4 blocks
Where To Watch
Time : 1:00pm
TV : NBA League Pass
Location : Vivint Smart Home Arena, Salt Lake City, UT
