Jazz out to halt road woes, face battered 76ers

Jazz Face Opportunity to End Road Losing Streak Against Injury-Riddled 76ers

The Utah Jazz have not won a road game in over two months, carrying an 11-game road losing streak into Sunday’s matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers. With their playoff hopes long gone, Utah is focused on developing its young core. However, a depleted 76ers squad presents a golden opportunity for the Jazz to steal a much-needed win away from home.

Philadelphia, once a championship contender, has been decimated by injuries. In Thursday’s 123-105 loss to the Boston Celtics, the 76ers were without their entire “Big Three,” and the struggles continue.

Utah’s Road Struggles and Recent Efforts

The Jazz are in the middle of a five-game road trip, already losing the first two games. A 125-122 loss to the Washington Wizards on Wednesday was followed by a 118-109 defeat to the Toronto Raptors on Friday. With upcoming matchups against Boston and Memphis, this game against the 76ers is likely their best shot at ending the skid before heading home.

Utah has been battling injuries of its own. Lauri Markkanen (back), John Collins (back), and Jordan Clarkson (foot) all missed the loss to Toronto and will remain out on Sunday.

Despite the setbacks, head coach Will Hardy remains optimistic, focusing on player development and fan engagement.

“(Fans) know we’re going through rebuilding seasons, but I do think that our players are playing the games in a way that our fans still enjoy watching,” Hardy said. “Our young players play really hard, and some nights are sloppy and ugly, but I do think the competitive spirit, the energy of the youth of these guys is something that our fans enjoy watching.”

Walker Kessler continues to shine, recording 18 points, 25 rebounds (career high), and eight blocks (career high) against Toronto. Rookies Keyonte George and Kyle Filipowski each added 17 points, showcasing the Jazz’s potential for the future.

76ers Struggling Without Key Stars

Philadelphia’s season has taken a sharp turn since Joel Embiid’s season-ending knee injury. Since his absence, the 76ers have lost 12 of their last 13 games, plummeting down the standings.

The team’s injury issues extend beyond Embiid. Tyrese Maxey (back) and Paul George (groin) also missed Thursday’s game and have been ruled out for Sunday’s matchup.

Despite the team’s struggles, head coach Nick Nurse has made it clear he will not shut down players who are healthy.

“We want them to play if they’re able to play, right?” Nurse said. “For me, the medical people tell me if they’re good. … I just take my directions from them.”

Without their stars, the 76ers have been booed by their own fans throughout the season. The frustration has been evident in the team’s lack of energy and effort.

“I just didn’t think we were moving great, just in general,” Nurse said after the Boston loss. “Up the floor with speed, back with speed, pace on offense, rotations on defense.”

One bright spot has been Kelly Oubre Jr., who scored 27 points against Boston and is seeking his fifth consecutive 20-point performance.

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Key Players to Watch

Utah Jazz:

• Walker Kessler is coming off a career night with 18 points, 25 rebounds, and eight blocks.
• Keyonte George continues to develop, scoring 17 points against Toronto.
• Kyle Filipowski, in his rookie season, also had 17 points last game.

Philadelphia 76ers:

• Kelly Oubre Jr. has been the Sixers’ best player in recent games, averaging over 20 points in his last four outings.
• Tobias Harris needs to step up as a veteran leader with the team’s key stars out.
• Cam Payne could take on more playmaking responsibilities in the absence of Maxey.

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Game Outlook: Who Has the Edge?

On paper, the Jazz have a real chance to finally end their road losing streak. The 76ers are down three of their best players, and their effort levels have been inconsistent. Meanwhile, Utah’s young players are showing energy and improvement, even in losses.

For Utah to win, they must:

• Control the boards, especially with Kessler’s rebounding dominance.
• Capitalize on Philadelphia’s defensive lapses and push the tempo.
• Limit turnovers to avoid giving the 76ers easy transition points.

For Philadelphia to win, they must:

• Lean on Oubre Jr. for scoring.
• Avoid slow starts, which have plagued them in recent games.
• Show more energy and effort, especially on defense.

Final Prediction

With both teams struggling and key players missing, this game could go either way. However, the Jazz have shown more fight and resilience in recent losses, while the 76ers have been outworked and uninspired in theirs.

If Walker Kessler dominates the paint again and Utah’s young guards provide enough scoring, the Jazz could finally snap their road losing streak.

Prediction: Utah Jazz 108, Philadelphia 76ers 101.