Jazz at Bulls
THE STORY: The Utah Jazz posted a memorable victory over the Miami Heat earlier this month and now look to topple the team with the NBA’s best record when they visit the Chicago Bulls on Saturday. Utah stunned visiting Miami 99-98 at home on March 2 and has since gone 2-2 on a five-game road trip that concludes in Chicago. The Bulls are aiming to rebound from a loss to the Orlando Magic on Thursday that snapped an eight-game winning streak.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, ROOT (Utah), WGN (Chicago)
ABOUT THE JAZZ (19-20): Center Al Jefferson averaged 29.5 points and 13.0 rebounds in two games against the Bulls last season, including 33 points and 18 rebounds when the teams met in Chicago. Jefferson had an off night Friday with just 14 points as Utah suffered a 104-91 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. Jefferson had scored 20 or more points in three of the previous four games. Another hindrance against the 76ers was Josh Howard scoring just two points after eight straight double-figure efforts since moving into the starting lineup. “Nobody was making shots,” Jefferson said. “Nights like that happen.”
ABOUT THE BULLS (33-9): Carlos Boozer had a big game against Orlando with 26 points for his 10th 20-point outing of the season. Boozer played six seasons for the Jazz before leaving for Chicago as a free agent, and had 14 points and six rebounds in his lone contest against Utah last season. Boozer is averaging just 15.4 points, the lowest figure since his rookie season with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2002-03. Boozer averaged over 10 rebounds per game in each of his final four seasons with Utah. The 10-year veteran is averaging 8.1 boards this season.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Chicago swept two games from Utah last season, including a 118-100 home victory.
2. Bulls guard Derrick Rose was just 6 of 22 from the field while scoring 17 points in the loss to Orlando.
3. Chicago forward Luol Deng (wrist) has been feeling increasing pain and could sit out against the Jazz.