Will the Sun Rise or Sun Set?

The game between the Phoenix Suns and the Utah Jazz is an important game. The Utah Jazz are in the 8th seed of the western conference playoffs, while the Suns are four and a half games back, outside of the playoffs looking in. This is a huge game for the Phoenix Suns, in that if they can win it will be a bigger jump between them and Utah. Its also a big game for the Jazz, a win will pretty much seal them into the playoffs. Both teams are looking to take this game, and both teams will give their all to win.

Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz have the upper hand, and lucky for them, the recent heart condition of LaMarcus Aldridge didnt turn out to be as bad as doctors thought. Aldridge will be in the starting lineup next week for this game. Everyone that is important to the normal rotation is healthy, and it looks like Victor Oladipo might even get the start at shooting guard next week. But even then, the Jazz have only won five of their last ten games. This game can easily go both ways.

Phoenix Suns
For the Suns they are the underdog here. They are on an eight game losing streak, and have only won one of their last thirteen games. The Suns lost twice last week by two points or less, against good teams like the Lakers and Knicks. So we know these guys can play, but what will it take to make the team get wins? Wilson Chandler who averages 16 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2 assists per game will be out of action. Wesley Johnson will be back in the lineup and hope he can help the bench hold their own.

History
The history between these two teams favors the Phoenix Suns, who have beaten the Jazz twice this season, and have lost one game. The first game happened in week two, and the Suns won 131 to 124. In that game Wesley Johnson started at small forward and scored 23 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist as he helped lead the Suns to victory. The second game went to the Jazz 113 to 100 in week six. Jazz youngster Andrew Wiggins scored 30 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals to lead the Jazz. In their third game which was in week nine, the Suns took this one in a low scoring affair, winning 96 to 87. This time it was Al Hordford who carried the team with 25 points, 12 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 blocks. But back then these teams looked a bit different, the Jazz didnt have Marc Gasol, and the Suns still had CJ Miles and a healthy Joakim Noah. Now a few players look different, and so will the outcome of this game.

Matchups

Jeff Withey vs Marc Gasol
Right off the bat you say Marc Gasol is the better match up here. He is actually putting up better numbers than he did with the Wizards, which seems weird since the Jazz have more talent. But Gasol is averaging 21 points, 11 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.1 steals, and 2.4 blocks per game. He has been the leading scorer for the Jazz only four times in 16 games. Withey on the other hand is not really a scorer and isnt looked at to score. He does a solid job at what he does. He averages 9.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.8 blocks as a starter. Now obvious its true that Gasol is the better player in this matchup, but dont count Withey out, he can still grab the boards, block shots, and hopefully hold Gasol to less than 20 points.

Al Horford vs LaMarcus Aldridge
This is one of the big key matchups in this game. Horford has averaged 19.3 points and 9 rebounds per game. But recently he had a couple games where he failed to score in double figures. He scored 8 points against the Wizards in week 16, and 9 points against the Lakers in week 17. He has only had one game previously where he failed to score more than 10 points and that was way back in week 5 against the Timberwolves. LaMarcus Aldridge is averaging 16.7 points, and 10 rebounds a game for the Jazz. He had some heart issues but wont be missing any time or be restricted at all with his minutes. Aldridge is a solid power forward for the Jazz but he isnt really the main offensive focus, i think Wiggins will get that title. But he still has plenty of 20+ point games so the Suns have to be worried about him and Gasol, those two can be a terror on the inside. But in this matchup we will give the nod to Al Horford.

Nick Young vs Andrew Wiggins
Nick Young was traded to the Suns right before week 7 and he quickly made his presence felt in Phoenix. Just like Gasol, he is putting up better numbers than he did with the Wizards. Nick is averaging 17.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and shooting 48% from the field. Nick will be looked at to shoot the ball, its what he does. He will be going up against the Jazz youngster Andrew Wiggins. Wiggins is in his third year now and he is leading the Jazz in scoring. Wiggins averages 23.9 points, 5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and shoots 43% from the field. Both these guys are looking to shoot the ball. Here we have to give the advantage to the Jazz and Wiggins. Wiggins is a better defender, younger, more athletic, and more of a factor for each others respective team.

Timothy Hardaway vs Victor Oladipo
Both these guys came into the league from the 2013 NLL draft, but both have had different careers so far. Hardaway is on his fourth team in four years. He has only been on the Suns for a total of 12 games, so he is still trying to fit in. Last week he got his first start as a Sun and although he didnt shoot great (36% FG, 24% 3PT) he did average 9.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4 assists. Oladipo who was selected with the second pick in the draft has been on Utah ever since. He has started 29 of 50 games so far for the Jazz, and averaged 11.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists while shooting 44% from the field. Overall we have to give the slight edge to Oladipo here. His shooting percentages are better, and he is probably more comfortable with his teammates.

Kemba Walker vs Derrick Rose
This is probably the biggest match up of the game. Walkers 20.1 points, and 9.9 assists per game says that he is a leader. Someone who scores when needed, but also gets his teammates involved, and in situations where they can score the ball themselves. Rose on the other hand isnt as much of a scorer, but still decent at 13.2 points per game, but he also gets his teammates involved, averaging 8.8 assists per game. These two guys can set up players, run plays, and control a game. Whoever comes out on top of this matchup might be the reason if their team wins or loses. With all due respect for both players, we have to give the edge to Kemba Walker here.