The Utah Jazz (11-8) welcome in the Miami Heat (6-12) to Vivint Smart Home Arena Thursday night at 7:00 PM. This will wrap up their season series as the Jazz won game one 102-91 on November 12 in Miami. The Jazz will ne looking for their 5th straight win tonight. One factor to the team’s success as of late is Center Rudy Gobert as he has finished with a double-double in 3 of the past 4 games. Gobert finished with a 16-point, 14-rebound effort in Utah’s 120-101 victory over Houston on Tuesday night. He has averaged 15.3 points, 13.5 rebounds and 3.3 blocked shots during the current Jazz winning streak. Gobert finished with 12 points and 12 rebounds in the 2 teams’ previous meeting.
Here is Rudy Gobert with the media after shoot around:
One key player that will be missing tonight is Point Guard George Hill, who is out with a sprained left big toe. He was at shoot around today with a boot on his foot. The injury occurred Tuesday late in the game against the Rockets. He has been a big part of the team in their current 4-game winning streak. Hopefully he returns quickly, because the Jazz will miss his presence on the court. Dante Exum will most likely get the start for the Jazz tonight in place of the injured George Hill.
Rodney Hood is listed as questionable with the right hamstring strain he suffered on Tuesday against the Houston Rockets. Derrick Favors and Alec Burks are both out for tonight’s game.
Here is Utah Jazz Head Coach Quin Snyder talking injuries and tonight’s game:
Gordon Hayward will need to continue to play well as the leader of this team. His play improved as George Hill made his return from his thumb injury. He will have to step up another notch tonight against the Heat. Here is Gordon Hayward with the media after shoot around:
The Utah Jazz are currently a half game behind the Oklahoma City Thunder (12-8), in 2nd place, in the Northwest Division standings. They are tied with the Memphis Grizzlies for the 6th seed in the Western Conference standings.
