The Utah Jazz head into this game on a three-game losing streak, having narrowly lost to the Philadelphia 76ers, Portland Trail Blazers, and Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite competitive scores, the Jazz have struggled to close out games, highlighting potential defensive vulnerabilities. Notably, Lauri Markkanen and Collin Sexton have been their top performers, averaging 19.72 and 17.27 points respectively, but the team's defense remains a concern with high defensive ratings across their starters. Conversely, the Denver Nuggets have experienced mixed results recently, securing a win against the Detroit Pistons while suffering losses to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Phoenix Suns. Nikola Jokić, with a remarkable offensive rating of 132.2 and an average of 30.78 points per game, continues to anchor the Nuggets offensively. Complemented by Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray, the Nuggets' starting five boasts a strong offensive presence, although their defensive ratings suggest areas for improvement.