Denver Nuggets at Utah Jazz 10/19/22 - NBA Picks & Predictions

The Denver Nuggets open their season Wednesday night in Salt Lake City, UT against the the Utah Jazz. Denver comes into the regular season after finishing the preseason with a bang riding a 3 game win streak after a 7 point win against Golden State. Offensively Denver played well in their final preseason game completing 50.7% of their shots to score 119 points including 63 in the second half.

Michael Porter jr. and reigning two time league MVP Nikola Jokic led the way for the Denver starters scoring 17 points apiece. Aaron Gordon chipped in 11 points and 12 rebounds as the third starter in double figures and Bones Hyland added a team high 18 points on eight shots in 17 minutes off the bench.

The Utah Jazz open the regular season on their home floor after finishing the preseason poorly after losing four of the final five games played including two in a row following a 14 point loss to Dallas. Defensively Utah struggled as Dallas made 44.7% of their shots and 36.2% from beyond the arc to score 115 total points in the game.

Offensively Utah was mediocre making 45.1% from beyond the arc but turn the ball over 36 times in the game leading to the loss. Lauri Markkanen was the biggest bright spot for the Utah offense with 21 points and 10 rebounds on 9 of 13 shooting in 29 minutes on the floor. Rudy Gay and Walker Kessler combined to score 28 points off the bench.