Lauri Markkanen, Jazz out to exploit Hornets' defensive issues

The Utah Jazz have shown signs of offensive glitches, while the Charlotte Hornets haven't had much success stopping opponents.

So that might be enough to get the Jazz in better positions when the teams meet Sunday in Charlotte.

The Jazz have lost their last two games in different fashion. A 136-134 home setback to Portland came two nights before stumbling 118-96 to Phoenix on Friday, when they began a five-game road trip.

Utah coach Will Hardy is challenging his team, mentioning the need to find players who will consistently play hard. That's perhaps a stern warning coming barely more than a week into the season.

"Every game day we turn in a group project and we see where we're at," Hardy said. "When you step on the floor, you compete to win."

The Hornets have a three-game losing streak, surrendering bunches of points during various segments.

Charlotte coach Charles Lee watched his team give up 72 second-half points in Saturday night's 122-105 home loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Jazz are fully aware that short spans of inefficiency can turn into bigger problems.

"It's an every-night business," Hardy said. "You can't lose a five-minute segment of the game by 20 points, throwing the ball all over the gym, not executing defense at all and thinking that's OK."

Lauri Markkanen has led the Jazz in scoring over the last four games, racking up at least 32 points in each of those outings.

Sunday's game could be another learning experience for Charlotte rookie center Ryan Kalkbrenner, who was battling with Minnesota's Rudy Gobert on Saturday. Facing Markkanen, he'll encounter a center with a different skill set.

Hornets guard LaMelo Ball is available for Sunday's game despite dealing with a right ankle impingement Saturday. He had been listed as questionable earlier Saturday. Lee pointed out that getting as much court time as possible for all players is a consideration.

"The goal for him, and everybody on this roster, is to make sure we're putting them in the best position to be available for as many games as possible," Lee said.

Ball played 33 minutes against Minnesota, posting 18 points, eight assists and seven rebounds. The Hornets would like to get another boost from Miles Bridges, who racked up 21 of his season-high 30 points in the first half Saturday.

"Just being more aggressive, letting the offense come to me," Bridges said. "Last few games, I've been kind of pressing it a little bit, so just letting the game come to me."

Bridges made six 3-pointers, though the Hornets were just 13-for-45 from long range. Charlotte realized it can't always count on Kon Knueppel for regular scoring after he had five points, going 1-for-9 from the field (including 1-for-8 on 3-pointers).

The Jazz, who lost both meetings last season against the Hornets, have dropped both of their road games this season.

--Field Level Media