Utah Jazz at Atlanta Hawks 11/9/22 - NBA Picks & Predictions

State Farm Arena will play host to a Wednesday night NBA clash between the Utah Jazz and the Atlanta Hawks. The Jazz (9-3) pushed the reset button in the offseason by trading away Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert. Rookie head coach Will Hardy obviously did not receive the memo, as the Jazz sit atop the Western Conference standings. On Monday, Utah outscored the Los Angeles Lakers by 18 points in the second half to pull away for a 139-116 home victory.

Lauri Markkanen led seven Utah players in double figures with 23 points on 10-for-15 shooting in just 28 minutes of action. Jordan Clarkson chipped in 22 points and four assists for the Jazz, who shot a sizzling 56 percent overall.

The Atlanta Hawks traded for G Dejounte Murray in the offseason and that move has improved the team’s perimeter defense. Last season, the Hawks finished 26th in defensive efficiency and this season they have improved to 18th. On Monday, Atlanta played without All-Star G Trae Young and outscored Milwaukee by 15 points in the third quarter to earn a 117-98 home victory. 

Atlanta G Dejounte Murray matched a game-high with 25 points (11-24 FG) to go along with 11 assists and eight rebounds. A.J. Griffin added 24 points on 10-for-15 shooting in 31 minutes off the bench for the Hawks, who handed the Bucks their first loss of the season.