Timberwolves game preview: Nov. 13 at Utah Jazz
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.