Timberwolves game preview: Nov. 13 at Utah Jazz

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 20: Jeff Teague #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends against Joe Ingles #2 of the Utah Jazz during the game on October 20, 2017 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Jazz 100-97. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 20: Jeff Teague #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends against Joe Ingles #2 of the Utah Jazz during the game on October 20, 2017 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Jazz 100-97. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – NOVEMBER 11: Utah Jazz reacts against the Brooklyn Nets on November 11, 2017 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – NOVEMBER 11: Utah Jazz reacts against the Brooklyn Nets on November 11, 2017 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Major key for Utah: Keep up with the Timberwolves offense

When you take Gordon Hayward off a team that already struggled to score, it isn’t going to get any prettier offensively. And that is exactly what the Jazz are dealing with at the moment.

According to NBA stats, Utah is just one of four teams averaging less than 100 points per game for the season, doing so at a disheartening 43.1 percent from the field and 34.7 percent 3-point mark.

With Rudy Gobert controlling the painted area, the Jazz has no problem converting their close looks, but they have struggled mightily on their outside game, leaving them predictable at times.

Now without their star big man, life becomes even harder for Utah.

Even with an elite defense, the Jazz must rectify this trend of low-scoring, low-efficiency play if they are to beat a Timberwolves team that just completed a franchise record 11th straight game of over 100 points.

If the Jazz’ offense can get it clicking, they’ll be a handful for the inconsistent Timberwolves.