The Jazz beat the Pelicans 122-121 in overtime last game to win three straight games. So far this season, Markkanen is averaging 24 points and 9.7 rebounds, Clarkson is averaging 19 points and 5.7 assists, Olynyk is averaging 16.3 points, Sexton is averaging 13, Malik Beasley is averaging 11.3 points, Conley is averaging 10.7 points and 9 assists, Vanderbilt is averaging 8.7 points and 10 rebounds per game, and Kessler is averaging 8.3 points and 8 rebounds. The Jazz are averaging 125.7 points per game so far this season and are 122+ in the league's 1.3rd game. So far this season, the Jazz are averaging 42 three-pointers per game, the league's No. 16.3 three-pointers, the highest in the league, and 38.9 percent from three-point range. The Jazz have won their last two away games, averaging 3.5 points per game. The two teams met four times in the regular season last season, with the Jazz taking the lead with a 3-1 record, averaging 16.3 points per game.
Conley scored just 3-of-12 shooting and 1-of-6 from three-point range last game, averaging 10.7 points and a team-high nine assists so far this season, but shooting just 28.6 percent from the field and 31.6 percent from three-point range. Mitchell (averaged 25.9 points and 5.3 rebounds last season), Bogdanovic (18.1 points last season) and Gobert (15.6 points and 14.7 rebounds last season) were all traded out of the offseason.
Team injury: Azubuyik (ankle)
Expected starters: Conley, Clarkson, Markkanen, Vanderbilt, Olynyk
So far this season, Jaylen Green is averaging 23.7 points per game, Kevin Porter Jr. is averaging 19 points and 6 assists, Shin Jing is averaging 15.7 points and 10 rebounds per game, Gordon is averaging 14 points, Jabari Smith Jr. is averaging 13.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, and Kenyon Martin Jr. is averaging 9.3 points per game The Rockets have accumulated 32-of-72 three-pointers in the past two games, shooting 44.4% from three-point range.
The Rockets lost to the Bucks 105-125 last game and suffered a three-game losing streak. So far this season, the Rockets have conceded 123.7 points per game, ranking 29th in the league and 30th in defensive efficiency at 120.8. Fernando missed the last game due to left knee pain and will continue to be sidelined, averaging 5.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists in his first two games this season. The Rockets have lost their last four home games against the Jazz, averaging a net minus of 15 points per game. Tate (averaging 11.8 points and 54 rebounds last season) and Taytay Washington missed the last three games due to injury and will continue to miss the game.
Team injuries: Tate (sore ankle), Taytay Washington (knee sprain), Fernando (left knee)
Expected starters: Kevin Porter Jr., Jaylen Green, Gordon, Jabari Smith Jr., Garruba
The Rockets are 15th in the West 0-3 and the Jazz are 1st in the West 3-0
Rockets vs Jazz Handicap (+2.5)