Wizards vs. Jazz preview: Rested Washington team goes for road win in Utah

Usually, teams get a full two days off between games when they're on a road trip in the opposing conference, but the Wizards have been lucky enough to get some much needed rest after Tuesday's crushing overtime loss in Portland.

The break comes at a very opportune time as the Wizards prepare for one of the more difficult road venues on the schedule this season. Yes, Utah is below .500 on the season, but they're 19-13 at home this season and have the 13th best Net Rating at home this season.

More importantly, they still have Rudy Gobert, who makes it hard on anyone who tries to drive the lane against the Jazz. Utah allows the eighth-lowest field goal percentage around the rim in the NBA, which is bad news for the Wizards.

Washington is just 6-15 against teams who are top-10 in the NBA in lowest field goal percentages allowed around the rim. If the Wizards can't find a way to avoid the Stifle Tower and make some outside shots when needed, it will be difficult for the Wizards to snap their skid in Utah.

Thankfully, they already have a blueprint for how to beat Utah from their 103-89 win over them last month in Washington. If they can get out in transition, it limits Gobert's ability to limit penetration and puts Marcin Gortat in a better position to wear him down on the other end. It won't be as easy to do that in the thin air of Utah, but if they can adhere to some of those same principles, they've got a shot tonight.

Game Info

When - 9 pm EST

Where - Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City.

TV - CSN Mid-Atlantic

Radio - 99.1 WNEW

Injury Report

Bradley Beal is questionable after spraining his pelvis over the weekend. He did not practice with the team on Thursday.

Alec Burks and Dante Exum are out for the Jazz. Rodney Hood is questionable with lower back soreness.

Most Likely Wizards Killer: Trevor Booker

If Trevor Booker can identify cereal blindfolded, surely he can still remember a thing or two about how the Wizards' defense works and how he can exploit it to his personal advantage.