Thunder at Jazz
THE STORY: The Oklahoma City Thunder have alternated losses and wins in their last six games, losing a bit of traction on top of the Western Conference. Oklahoma City can win two in a row for the first time since March 7 with a victory at Utah on Tuesday. The Jazz have won three straight, including a victory over the Lakers, but have lost their last five meetings with the Thunder.
TV: 9 p.m., FS Oklahoma (Thunder), ROOT Sports (Jazz)
ABOUT THE THUNDER (34-11): Oklahoma City bounced back after a big loss to San Antonio on Friday, beating Portland 111-95. The Thunder were in a bad mood, which helped them attack the rim and get to the foul line 28 times, where they made 18. In the three previous games, they attempted only 66 fouls shots. In contrast, Oklahoma City was settling for the outside shot in that span, launching up 73 3-pointers and hitting 39.7 percent. The Thunder went 11 for 18 from beyond the arc versus the Trail Blazers.
ABOUT THE JAZZ (23-22): Utah’s three-game winning streak has it above .500 and tied for ninth in the Western Conference. Forward Paul Millsap has been the constant force for the Jazz, averaging 16.6 points and 10.2 rebounds over his last five games. Millsap has also become somewhat of a point forward in recent games, dishing out five assists in the win over Los Angeles and averaging four in the last five outings.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Utah has won five straight home games but has only played in Salt Lake City five times since Feb. 29. The Jazz are 17-6 at home.
2. Oklahoma City is rumored to be a possible landing spot for veteran point guard Derek Fisher, who was bought out of his contract after being dealt by Los Angeles to Houston.
3. The Thunder have won eight of the past 10 meetings with the Jazz, including two wins in February. Oklahoma City won those games by an average margin of 20 points.