This is not what the Brooklyn Nets had in mind.
After entering the season as the favorites to come out of the Eastern Conference, the Nets currently sit in sixth place, just 1.5 games up from the play-in tournament. Brooklyn has lost a season-high six straight games, struggling to find a groove while juggling Irving's inconsistent availability and sorely missing Kevin Durant.
MORE: When will Kevin Durant return to the lineup?
Friday's game in Utah is the fourth game of a five-game road trip. Brooklyn lost back-to-back games against the Warriors and Suns before falling to the Kings on Wednesday in an uninspiring performance in which they were outscored 29-15 in the fourth quarter.
James Harden, still nursing a sore right hand and hamstring injury, scored just four points on 2-11 shooting, easily his worst game of the season. Kyrie Irving wasn't much better, finishing with 14 points on 5-15 shooting including just one assist to go with four turnovers.
This is their first game of the season against the Jazz who are struggling themselves. Since starting 28-10, Utah is just 3-11 dating back to Jan. 7.
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Is Kyrie Irving playing tonight?
With the game taking place outside of New York City, Irving is eligible to play against the Jazz. He was not listed in Brooklyn's official injury report heading into either of its last two games.
Over 10 appearances this season, Irving is averaging 23.6 points, 4.7 assists and 4.9 rebounds per game while shooting 48.2 percent from the field and 37.1 percent from 3-point range. In his career, Irving has faced the Jazz 16 times, posting averages of 23.4 points and 6.1 assists per game.
Who is Kyrie Irving's back up?
Patty Mills has proven to be invaluable for the Nets this season, starting in place of Irving for Brooklyn's home games and alongside Irving when Harden has missed time.
MORE: Nets dispel trade rumors around Harden
In addition to Mills, Jevon Carter and rookie Cameron Thomas are the team's reserve guards that will take on playmaking duties for the second unit.
What channel is Nets vs. Jazz on?
- TV channel (U.S. national): None
- TV channel (Nets' region): YES Network
- Live stream: NBA League Pass; TSN App
Nets vs. Jazz is not a nationally televised game. NBA fans can however watch it on NBA League Pass which is also offering a free seven-day trial. In the Nets' region, the game will be broadcasted on the YES Network.
NBA fans in Canada can stream the game on TSN.ca or the TSN App.
Nets vs. Jazz start time
- Date: Friday, Feb. 4
- TV channel (Nets' region): YES Network
- Time: 9:00 p.m. ET | 6:00 p.m. PT
Nets vs. Jazz is scheduled to start at 9:00 p.m. on Friday. After Friday's game, the Nets have one more road game at Denver before turning home for a nationally televised game against the Boston Celtics.
Nets schedule 2021-22
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | National TV |
| Feb. 4 | at Jazz | 9:00 p.m. | – |
| Feb. 6 | at Nuggets | 3:30 p.m. | NBA TV |
| Feb. 8 | vs. Celtics | 7:30 p.m. | TNT |
| Feb. 10 | at Wizards | 7:30 p.m. | TNT |
| Feb. 12 | at Heat | 8:00 p.m. | – |
Jazz schedule 2021-22
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | National TV |
| Feb. 4 | vs. Nets | 9:00 p.m. | – |
| Feb. 7 | vs. Knicks | 9:00 p.m. | – |
| Feb. 9 | vs. Warriors | 10:00 p.m. | ESPN |
| Feb. 11 | vs. Magic | 9:00 p.m. | – |
| Feb. 14 | vs. Rockets | 9:00 p.m. | – |
