Clarkson, Markkanen Out As Jazz Host Surging Rockets
Mar 29, 2024, 12:00 PM | Updated: 6:41 pm
SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Jazz will look to snap their seven-game losing streak when they host the Houston Rockets on Friday night.
Jordan Clarkson will be out due to Scroiliac pain, while Lauri Markkanen will miss the game due to shoulder soreness.
The Rockets travel to Utah having won 10 straight, and 12 of their last 13 games.
Can Jazz Snap Losing Streak Against Rockets?
With nine games remaining, the Jazz kick off arguably the toughest stretch of their season while trying to snap a seven-game losing streak.
Each of the Jazz’s final nine opponents has a record above .500 and is fighting for playoff seeding to close the season.
Kris Dunn vs. Jabari Smith Jr. 😳
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) March 24, 2024
Related: Kris Dunn Suspended Two-Games For Rockets Fight
Kris Dunn will return from a two-game suspension after getting into a scuffle with Rockets forward Jabari Smith in Saturday’s loss at Houston.
Clarkson will miss his eighth game in the team’s last nine outings, while Markkanen is missing his ninth contest over the last 13 games.
Rockets Chasing Warriors For Final Playoff Spot
The Rockets roll into Utah as the NBA’s hottest team as they look to overtake the Golden State Warriors for the final Play-In Tournament spot in the West.
Houston has the ninth most difficult schedule remaining compared to the Warriors who own the fourth-easiest.
Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet combined for 75 points in the Rockets’ 8th win in a row!
JG: 41 PTS | 7 3PM | 4 AST
FVV: 34 PTS | 10 3PM | 7 ASTHouston sits only 1.5 GB from the 10th seed in the West 🚀 pic.twitter.com/0fgKoMVOJF
— NBA (@NBA) March 24, 2024
Jalen Green is in the midst of the best stretch of his career averaging 28.9 points and 6.0 rebounds while shooting 49 percent from the floor and 43 percent from three over the last 14 games.
Green scored 41 points in the Rockets latest win over the Jazz.
How To Watch Jazz And Rockets
The Jazz will face the Rockets on Friday at 7:30 pm MST in Salt Lake City. The game will be televised on KJZZ, streamed on Jazz+, and can be heard on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone.
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Ben Anderson is the Utah Jazz insider for KSL Sports and the co-host of Jake and Ben from 10-12p with Jake Scott on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone. Find Ben on Twitter at @BensHoops or on Instagram @BensHoops.
