Jazz at Rockets
THE STORY: The Houston Rockets began a six-game homestand with an impressive victory over the Oklahoma Thunder, but couldn’t keep the momentum going and were outplayed by the Minnesota Timberwolves two nights later. The Rockets are looking for consistency, a problem that the Utah Jazz understands. Utah has been a solid home squad but is just 3-9 on the road. The Jazz defeated the Washington Wizards on Friday for just their third win in 10 games.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, ROOT (Utah), Fox Sports (Houston)
ABOUT THE JAZZ (15-14): Center Al Jefferson had his top offensive effort of the season, scoring 34 points and hauling down 12 rebounds against Washington. Jefferson made 16 of 23 shots and registered his third double-double in four games. Jefferson was beyond dominating in the first half with 26 points. Jefferson has always fared well against Houston with career averages of 19.6 points and 12.8 rebounds in 15 career games. He is averaging 19.0 points and 9.2 rebounds this season.
ABOUT THE ROCKETS (17-14): Houston’s loss to Minnesota was mighty disappointing as frontcourt players Luis Scola and Samuel Dalembert were practically nonexistent and the Rockets were outrebounded 44-26. Minnesota’s Kevin Love and Nikola Pekovic combined for 63 points and 29 rebounds, with each player scoring at least 30 points. The Rockets will need better play from the frontcourt against Utah, which relies on Jefferson and Paul Millsap for a large chunk of its scoring and rebounding production.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Utah has won seven of the past 10 meetings in Houston.
2. The Jazz scored a season-high 114 points in the victory over Washington.
3. Rockets forward Jordan Hill injured his right knee in practice Saturday and will miss about two weeks.