The Utah Jazz (19-25) welcome in the Charlotte Hornets (22-23) tonight to Vivint Smart Home Arena at 7:00 PM. This is game #2 of 6 straight games at home for the Utah Jazz. They are coming off of a loss on Monday night against the Detroit Pistons. The Hornets come into the game on a 3-game winning streak. The Jazz and Hornets last met on Monday, January 18, with the Hornets winning in double overtime 124-119. Kemba Walker lit up the Jazz for a franchise record 52 points in the game. The Hornets have averaged 84.0 points and shot 40.3 percent from the field while going 0-8 in Salt Lake City since a 104-89 win March 1, 2006. The Hornets are 5-20 all-time in Utah. The Jazz will be without Raul Neto for tonight’s game as he is out with a concussion. The Jazz will need to start off the game quickly. They can’t let the Hornets get too far ahead. They don’t want to be fighting up hill all game like they had to on Monday against the Pistons.
Gordon Hayward is leading the Jazz in scoring at 19.9 points per game. He also is the assist leader at 3.6 assists per game. Hayward talked with the media after shoot around. Here is that audio:
Derrick Favors will be playing in his second straight game after coming back on Monday from an injured back. He will only help this team improve. His defensive presence as well as his offensive skill are a welcomed return to the Jazz. Here he is with the media following shoot around:
Rodney Hood also met with the media today. He is averaging 13.8 points per game and is coming off of an outstanding 4th quarter on Monday. He will need to play well offensively tonight against the Hornets. Here is the audio from after shoot around:
Utah Jazz Head Coach Quin Snyder also gave his thoughts on tonight’s matchup against the Charlotte Hornets as well as gave Gordon Hayward some high praise:
