The Utah Jazz and Indiana Pacers are far removed from playoff contention, but both teams could figure prominently in this week’s trade deadline discussions.
Both teams will look to put any trade rumors aside when they meet on Tuesday in Indianapolis. The Pacers are looking to even the season series against the Jazz after losing 152-128 in Utah on Nov. 11.
The Pacers had their bid for a season-high three-game win streak denied in a 118-114 loss to the visiting Houston Rockets on Monday.
Pascal Siakam scored 27 points and Bennedict Mathurin added 25 for Indiana, which trailed by 12 in the third quarter before moving ahead early in the fourth.
Mathurin is one of several Indiana players who could be on the move before the NBA’s trade deadline on Thursday, but he is steering clear of the rumor mill.
“I could go two ways about it,” Mathurin said. “I could be stressed and worried about anything. I just feel like stress only comes from when you’re not ready for situations. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn’t, I’m here to work.”
The injury-plagued Pacers received a boost on Monday from reserve center Isaiah Jackson, who had six points, six rebounds, four assists, four steals and two blocks while attempting to slow down the Rockets’ Alperen Sengun.
“It was pretty clear we needed (Jackson) right away,” Indiana coach Rick Carlisle said. “Isaiah did well right when he came in the game. This is one of his more productive games in terms of how he helped the team”
The Pacers’ most consistent player over the past week has been guard Aaron Nesmith, who is averaging 17.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists over his last five games.
Nesmith will look to carry that momentum into the matchup against Utah, which has lost a season-worst six straight games.
Lauri Markkanen collected 27 points and 11 rebounds in Utah’s 107-100 home loss to the Toronto Raptors on Sunday. Jusuf Nurkic added 11 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks.
Utah turned in an encouraging effort against the Raptors, who were held to 35.6% percent shooting from the field in the first half.
“I thought (Sunday’s) game is a game and an effort that our team should be proud of,” Jazz coach Will Hardy said. “I told the guys, if we compete and play that hard defensively every night, everything will feel different and the results will be different. Ultimately tonight, the turnovers did us in.”
Utah is monitoring the status of guard Keyonte George, who missed the Sunday contest due to a sprained left ankle. George is averaging 24.2 points, 6.6 assists and 4.0 rebounds in 47 games.
Isaiah Collier started in place of George against Toronto and scored 19 points in 30 minutes.
“I thought Isaiah picked his spots really well,” Hardy said. “It didn’t feel like he was forcing anything. Since he’s really been able to adopt that two-foot mentality in the paint, his decision-making has gotten better, his turnovers have gone down, and his finishing has improved. I think it’s been a big breakthrough for him.”
Utah is expected to hold onto core players such as Markkanen and George at the trade deadline, but veterans Kevin Love or Kyle Anderson could be dealt as the team looks to continue its rebuilding efforts.
