Jazz at Nuggets
Two days after avoiding a four-game overall losing streak, the Utah Jazz attempt to halt their three-game road skid when they visit the Denver Nuggets on Friday. Utah posted a 95-86 triumph over the Los Angeles Lakers at home on Wednesday, its first victory since it topped Dallas at home in its season opener. In between, the Jazz went 0-3 on their three-game road trip, dropping decisions in New Orleans, San Antonio and Memphis.
Denver is seeking its third straight overall victory and second in as many home games. The Nuggets began the campaign with road losses at Philadelphia, Orlando and Miami before defeating Detroit in their home opener on Tuesday. The club posted a six-point win at Houston a day later and returns home for Friday's contest before hitting the road for five of its next six games.
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, Root Sports (Utah), Altitude (Denver)
ABOUT THE JAZZ (2-3): Forward Al Jefferson registered his third double-double of the season Wednesday with 18 points and 10 rebounds, a feat that has not gone unnoticed by coach Tyrone Corbin. "He's really putting forth an effort to help us on the defensive end and doing a nice job of waiting for his offense to come," Corbin said. Utah has had 18 40-point performances against Denver, with Adrian Dantley recording 11 of them.
ABOUT THE NUGGETS (2-3): After playing on both Tuesday and Wednesday, guard Wilson Chandler is expected to sit out Friday's game as he is easing his way back from hip surgery. Denver has had at least six players reach double figures in points in each of its last three games. It posted a similar three-game streak once last season. Forward Kenneth Faried has averaged 17.7 points and 12 rebounds in 31 minutes over his last three contests. He played less than 20 minutes in each of his first two games.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The Nuggets rank third in the league with 49.4 rebounds per game.
2. Utah and Denver have combined to win five of the last seven Northwest Division titles.
3. The Jazz have won two of their last three visits to Denver after dropping seven of eight, including the postseason.
PREDICTION: Nuggets 92, Jazz 88.