Utah Jazz set to take on Portland tonight

October 15, 10:59 AMUtah Jazz ExaminerJeff Lockard

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Utah returns to game action for the first time in a week when they take on the Portland Trailblazers tonight at Energy Solutions Arena. Portland arrives in Salt Lake City riding a two game losing streak, including a 110-104 loss last night to the Phoenix Suns.

The Jazz won their only pre-season game played on U.S. soil and split the two contests during their European road trip. Utah lost to Chicago in England on a buzzer-beater by Bulls' rookie James Johnson, and took care of host Real Madrid during their stay in Spain.

The Jazz have played three games, but their record is 1-1. Was the game against Real Madrid an exhibition game rather than a pre-season game? Is an exhibition game more or less important than a pre-season game? "I've heard it both ways." Ultimately, there is no right answer and it doesn't matter because that is what makes the pre-season great. The main focus of the pre-season is not Utah's record, but rather individual storylines and so far Carlos Boozer has made nice. Boozer received some jeers in Utah's pre-season opener, but the fan reaction wasn't nearly as bad as most expected. Could this actually play out where everyone is civil until all parties get what they desire? So far, so good! Reports from England even indicated that Boozer referred to other Jazz players as his teammates, rather than those wearing Bulls gear. All kidding aside, this situation needs to remain positive as the Jazz enter the regular season.

Now, for the bad news! After posting 16 points on seven shots in Utah's pre-season debut CJ Miles looked prime to make a significant contribution this season. However, days later those thoughts were tempered as he suffered an injury to his hand during practice. CJ Miles will be re-evaluated in four weeks to determine if his surgically repaired hand has progressed enough to begin therapy and rehab. Ronnie Brewer is a terrific perimeter defender, but Miles would have provided much needed offensive production from the off-guard and small forward positions.

Paul Millsap's play against Real Madrid left many in the local media talking about a scenario featuring "Boozer off the bench." Don't even think about it Jazz fans. Whether, you want him in Utah or not, or if you like or dislike his comments, personality, toughness or his production he should be in the starting line-up. What organization wants a 12 million dollar back-up power forward that has a tendency to wear out his welcome? Careful, before blurting out New York remember the Knicks fired Isiah Thomas. Boozer needs to start, needs to play well and needs to be moved when Utah receives an offer that makes sense both on the court and financially.

Through three games, granted three fairly meaningless games the Jazz bench looks anything but solid. Kosta Koufos, Ronnie Price and Eric Maynor are shooting a collective "terrible" from the floor. Price has proven he can play at the NBA level and Maynor is a rookie who will see the court only when the most diehard of Jazz fans remain in the arena, but Koufos' shooting problems are troubling. Koufos has started the pre-season shooting 6 of 19 from the floor and that includes a game against Spanish League defense. "O'le!" The Jazz need Koufos to step up this season and assume the back-up center spot behind Mehmet Okur, that's yet to happen. Incidentally, Ronnie Price and Eric Maynor are a combined 9 of 34 (0.265) from the field. Somewhere Brevin Knight must be thinking about the definition of irony.

Finally, 14th and 15th man watch is heating up. Ah, yes every journalist’s favorite sound, the frantic clicking of mouse buttons away from this article. Nevertheless, fans of Wesley Matthews and Alexander Johnson have been treated to quality play early in the pre-season. Heading into camp Goran Suton looked like the clear cut favorite to make Utah's roster, and while that may still happen Alexander has been the better player to this point. Matthews on the other hand is earning himself a NBA contract. One man's loss is another man's gain, and Matthews has stepped up at the right time. Miles injury combined with the uncertainty surrounding Matt Harpring's future creates a desperate need for depth at both wing positions and Matthews could help fill that void.

For those interested in pre-season stats, you've come to the right place.

*cumulative stats, per game averages and 36 minute stats will be updated after every pre-season game

 

Cumulative Stats

Per Game Averages

36 Minute per game averages