Jazz at Warriors
THE STORY: Following a trying start to the campaign, the Utah Jazz appear to have found their stride. Above .500 for the first time, the Jazz will look to win their fourth in a row when they travel to face the struggling Golden State Warriors on Saturday night. "Everything is going the right direction. I feel like we're just scratching the surface. The positive energy on the team is just amazing," guard Earl Watson said. In order to keep the good vibes rolling, Utah will need to figure out a way to win on the road. They are currently 0-3 away from home. Golden State will be without starting point guard Stephen Curry for a second straight game as he deals with a nagging ankle injury.
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Southwest Plus, CSN Bay Area
ABOUT THE JAZZ (4-3): Al Jefferson’s 20 points and nine rebounds carried the Jazz in Friday’s 94-85 win over Memphis. Jefferson has 20-plus points in each of his last four games, averaging 9.0 rebounds in that span as well. Utah is getting it done defensively, holding teams to 82.6 points per game during its current winning streak. The Jazz finished with 10 blocks against the Grizzlies and average an NBA-best 7.5 blocks.
ABOUT THE WARRIORS (2-5): Rookie Charles Jenkins drew his first career start in place of Curry in Friday’s 97-90 setback to the Los Angeles Lakers, but the newly-acquired Nate Robinson received a bulk of the minutes at the spot. He scored nine points with four assists in 31 minutes during his Warriors debut. Forward Dorell Wright has scored in double digits just twice this season after averaging a career-high 16.4 ppg a year ago. Golden State has lost four straight.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Warriors center Andris Biedrins missed Friday’s game with a sprained right ankle. His will likely be a game-time decision vs. the Jazz.
2. Golden State guard Monta Ellis is averaging just 11.3 points on 23.9 percent shooting in his previous four home tilts against Utah.