Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY -- After splitting their four game road trip, the Utah Jazz (4-6) return home to take on the Toronto Raptors (5-6) Wednesday night.
Utah is looking to win their ninth straight over the Raptors, who haven't won in Salt Lake since a 104-95 victory in 2004.
Williams had high praise for his team after watching the two games from home, saying that they passed the ball better than they have all season. "It's just a different feeling," he said.
KSL takes a look back and a look ahead as we prep for the game against the Raptors.
What did we learn about the Jazz on their road trip?
- Jazz rookies Eric Maynor and Wesley Matthews can play.
- Maynor, the rookie point guard, had 13 points and 11 assists in a 112-90 win over the 76ers. He followed that up by scoring 24 points in 40 minutes on the court and almost rallied the Jazz to a come-from-behind win over Cleveland on Saturday.
- Wesley Matthews, who started the last two games, gave the Jazz a huge lift averaging 15 points in 36 minutes per game. He was 6-of-7 from the three point line.
- Coming off the bench, Andrei Kirilenko is averaging more defensive rebounds per game, but less offensive rebounds compared to when he starts
What questions do we still have about the Jazz?
- How much playing time will backup Eric Maynor get with Deron's return to the lineup?
- Can Utah play with the same energy and intensity that they showed against the 76ers and Cavaliers?
- Can the Jazz hold on to a 4th quarter lead?
- Will the Jazz be able to make the ESA one of the hardest places to play in the NBA again after starting the season out only 2-2 at home?
What can the Jazz expect from Toronto?
- A completely different team. Chris Bosh, center Andrea Bargnani and point guard Jose Calderon are the only three Toronto players on their opening roster who were in camp last fall.
- The Raptors added nine players in all, including swingman Hedo Turkoglu, bruising forward Reggie Evans, combo-guard Jarrett Jack and guard DeMar DeRozan, the ninth pick in the draft.
- A team still struggling to find its identity. The Raptors started the season out with a big win over Cleveland, but got blown out by the Clippers.
- The Raptors will be playing their second game of a back to back, losing Tuesday against Denver 130-112, the fourth time this season they have given up at least 125 points.
Probable Jazz starting lineup
- C - Mehmet Okur
- PF - Carlos Boozer
- SF - Ronnie Brewer
- SG - Wesley Matthews
- PG - Deron Williams
Probable Raptors starting lineup
- PG - Jose Calderon
- SG - DeMar DeRozan
- SF - Hedo Turkoglu or Antoine Wright
- PF - Chris Bosh
- C - Andrea Bargnani
Jazz Injury Updates
- Ronnie Price got a 2nd MRI, is listed as OUT for tonight's game
- C.J. Miles - OUT
- Kyle Korver - OUT
Raptors Injury Updates
- Hedo Turkoglu - Day to Day
Conclusion
With Deron back in the lineup, the Jazz should win this one comfortably.
Check out this video from Tuesday's Raptors - Nuggets game, a circus shot by DeMar DeRozan.
