/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62977619/usa_today_10723207.0.jpg)
February is here and the Atlanta Hawks have played 50 games during the 2018-19 season. With that said, the Hawks haven’t faced the Utah Jazz just yet and the two teams will square off for the first time on Friday evening in Salt Lake City.
The Hawks struggled mightily on Wednesday evening, losing by 22 points in Sacramento, and that leaves Lloyd Pierce’s team searching for a renewed effort on the eve of their trip to Utah. Interestingly, the Jazz suffered a similar fate in their last outing, losing by 27 points on the road in Portland.
It is fair to note that Utah won 11 of 13 games before their slip on Wednesday against the Blazers, though, and the Jazz are seen as substantial favorites to bounce back in this spot. In fact, the good folks in Las Vegas install the home team as a ??-point favorite over Atlanta in this spot, leaving the Hawks with something of an uphill battle on paper.
If there was a bright spot on Wednesday, it came in the form of Trae Young’s performance and production, and he will have a headlining match-up against Donovan Mitchell, Ricky Rubio and company in this spot. Atlanta will also need more from John Collins after a rare “off” night in Sacramento and the Jazz present arguably the league’s best defense in an effort to quell an improving Hawks offense.
On the injury front, Tyler Dorsey (knee) is listed as probable after missing Wednesday’s game and Kent Bazemore is now off the injury report entirely following his return to action. Miles Plumlee remains sidelined but the Hawks could have their cleanest bill of health in some time. In contrast, the Jazz will be without Thabo Sefolosha, Dante Exum, Tony Bradley and Raul Neto in this spot.
Stay tuned throughout the day for all the latest.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Friday, Feb. 1, 9:00 pm ET
Location: Vivint Smart Home Arena
TV: Fox Sports Southeast
Radio: 92.9 The Game (Atlanta); Hawks Radio Network
Streaming: Fox Sports Go; NBA League Pass (out of market)