Who's Playing
Matchup: Toronto Raptors @ Utah Jazz
Records: Raptors (8-1), Jazz (4-5)
Game Preview
The Raptors roll into Utah having blown out the Lakers on the first half of their road back-to-back, and they did it without Kawhi Leonard in the lineup. Leonard jammed his foot in Friday's 107-98 win over the Phoenix Suns and he was always going to sit at least one half of the back-to-back, but he will remain out tonight as a precaution.
Without their star, the Raptors played their best basketball on Sunday night, getting off to a hot start at Staples Center and never let the Lakers get into a rhythm. Getting the crowd out of the game early will be a key Monday, as the Jazz who are historically good at home are still searching for their first win of the season at Vivint Smart Home Arena.
The Raptors haven't had a ton of success on the road in Utah going 8-14 all-time, but they're riding a two-game winning streak winning at Vivint Smart Home Arena and have beat the Jazz in four of the last five meetings.
Utah will be without guard Donovan Mitchell who will miss the game with a left ankle sprain.
After being one of the league's best defensive teams last season the Jazz have struggled on that end of the floor to start the year allowing opponents to score 108.7 points per game. They're coming into Monday's game on a three-game skid after blowing a 73-68 lead in the fourth quarter losing to the Denver Nuggets 103-88.
The key matchup will be Kyle Lowry versus Ricky Rubio. Without Mitchell, in the lineup, Rubio will be asked to score and create offence a bit more the Jazz, if Lowry can contain him it will be a huge advantage for the Raptors.
Last Time They Played
Date: January 26, 2018
Score: Jazz 97, Raptors 93
Jazz: Donovan Mitchell — 26 points, 4-for-7 from 3pt
Raptors: Jonas Valanciunas — 28 points, 14 rebounds, 4 blocks
Where To Watch
Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
TV: SN1
Radio: TSN 1050
Location: Vivint Smart Home Arena, Salt Lake City, UT