The Utah Jazz are currently excelling in the turnover department, though unfortunately, those giveaways benefit their opponents rather than their fans.
The Jazz will look to significantly reduce their turnovers and end a five-game losing streak when they visit the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night.
Utah committed a staggering 29 turnovers during Tuesday’s 133-106 road loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, which led to 45 points for the Thunder.
Friday’s game could see a high number of turnovers from both teams. The Jazz lead the NBA with 18.5 turnovers per game, while the Trail Blazers are second-worst at 17.1 turnovers per outing.
In the game against the Thunder, Utah was outscored 25-9 on fastbreak points, with Oklahoma City committing just eight turnovers. Five Jazz players had four or more turnovers each.
Utah has lost nine of its last 10 games as it tries to address its turnover issues.
Collin Sexton and Walker Kessler (11 rebounds) led the Jazz with 17 points each against Oklahoma City. Overall, six players scored at least 13 points.
The Jazz are 2-8 on the road as they prepare to face the Trail Blazers, who are 5-5 at home. Portland has lost six of its past eight games.
The Trail Blazers were routed 127-105 by the host Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday. Portland had five players score in double figures, led by Deandre Ayton with 16 points, and Deni Avdija and Shaedon Sharpe with 15 points each.
Avdija and Dalano Banton (14 points) were the top Portland reserves against the Clippers.
Big man Robert Williams III (concussion) will miss his fifth straight game for the Trail Blazers.
Portland has allowed more than 120 points in four of the past five games, losing each time they conceded at least that amount.
The Trail Blazers entered play on Thursday ranked 21st in scoring defense, allowing 115.3 points per game, while Utah ranked 28th at 118.6 points per game.
The Jazz won three of the four meetings last season. The teams split their two contests in Portland.
