Mitchell leads Utah into matchup against Minnesota

Updated Dec. 22, 2021 3:22 a.m. ET

Associated Press

Minnesota Timberwolves (15-16, ninth in the Western Conference) vs. Utah Jazz (21-9, third in the Western Conference)

Salt Lake City; Thursday, 9 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Donovan Mitchell leads Utah into a matchup with Minnesota. He ranks ninth in the league scoring 25.0 points per game.

The Jazz are 11-3 in conference games. Utah leads the Western Conference in rebounding, averaging 47.4 boards. Rudy Gobert leads the Jazz with 15.0 rebounds.

The Timberwolves are 2-2 against Northwest Division teams. Minnesota is ninth in the Western Conference with 45.1 rebounds per game led by Karl-Anthony Towns averaging 9.1.

The two teams play for the second time this season. The Jazz defeated the Timberwolves 136-104 in their last matchup on Dec. 9. Mitchell led the Jazz with 36 points, and Towns led the Timberwolves with 22 points.

TOP PERFORMERS: Mike Conley is averaging 13.7 points and 5.4 assists for the Jazz. Mitchell is averaging 29.2 points over the last 10 games for Utah.

Towns is averaging 24.5 points, 9.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists for the Timberwolves. Anthony Edwards is averaging 22.4 points over the last 10 games for Minnesota.

LAST 10 GAMES: Jazz: 8-2, averaging 121.7 points, 49.0 rebounds, 24.6 assists, 6.0 steals and 4.7 blocks per game while shooting 48.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 108.5 points per game.

Timberwolves: 4-6, averaging 109.5 points, 42.8 rebounds, 22.4 assists, 7.7 steals and 4.4 blocks per game while shooting 42.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.4 points.

INJURIES: Jazz: Udoka Azubuike: out (ankle), Miye Oni: day to day (ankle), Malik Fitts: day to day (shoulder).

Timberwolves: Josh Okogie: out (health and safety protocols), Jarred Vanderbilt: out (health and safety protocols), Taurean Prince: out (health and safety protocols), Patrick Beverley: out (health and safety protocols), Anthony Edwards: out (health and safety protocols).

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