Game Preview: Knicks at Jazz, November 23, 2024
Today at 08:00 AM
Knicks aim to continue their victorious ways in Salt Lake City versus a three-win team.
The New York Knicks (9-6) visit the Delta Center to face the Utah Jazz (3-12) this evening. Our heroes began their current five-game road trip with a scorching victory over Phoenix on Wednesday, fueled by a combined 70 points from Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. The win was their fourth straight.
The Utah Jazz suffered a tough 126-118 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday, despite leading by 20 points in the first half. Lauri Markkanen racked up 27 points, and Keyonte George added 19, but a late surge from the Spurs sealed the Jazz's fourth straight defeat, all on the road.
The Jazz rank 26th in offense and 28th in defense. They take a healthy volume of threes, converting 33% of them, and play at a better-than-average pace. Meanwhile, New York boasts the second-best offensive rating but ranks in the league's bottom third defensively. Clamping down on Utah and keeping them below their average of 108 points per game should be a key objective for Tom Thibodeau's club.
Projected Starters
Now in his second NBA season, Keyonte George is developing as a playmaker, averaging 15.2 points and 5.5 assists per game. His running mate, Collin Sexton (SG), contributes 16 points per game and is shooting 42% from downtown, attempting about four triples per game.
Lauri Markkanen (SF) is the team's leading scorer, averaging 19 points per game. Markkanen continues to be a versatile offensive threat, effectively stretching the floor with his shooting ability—he swishes 43% of his threes on 6.3 attempts per game, which coincidentally matches his average for 6.3 rebounds. Beside him, John Collins (PF) is averaging 17.6 points and 8.3 rebounds per game.
Walker Kessler (C) is dealing with a hip issue and might sit this one out. If he doesn't, rookie Kyle Filipowski will likely get the start—unless he's hurt, too. Tough breaks in the Beehive State. In limited minutes, the newbie is averaging seven points and four rebounds per game.
Injury Updates
For Utah: Jordan Clarkson (foot), Kyle Filipowski (ankle), and Walker Kessler (hip) are all listed as game-time decisions. Taylor Hendricks is out for the season.
For New York: Mitchell Robinson and Precious Achiuwa remain out. Miles McBride (knee) and Kevin McCullar Jr. (knee) are game-time decisions.
Prediction
The Jazz are eager to bounce back on their home turf after losing every one of a four-game roade trip—but the odds don't favor them. ESPN.com projects a 65% chance of a Knicks victory. When New York's blistering offense meets Utah's swish cheese defense, expect the scoreboard to melt. Knicks by +18.
Game Details
Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 5:00 PM ET
Venue: Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
TV: MSG, NBA League Pass
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