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Saturday's clash between the Utah Jazz and the Philadelphia 76ers presents an intriguing matchup, with both teams looking to gain momentum heading into the new year. The Jazz have struggled mightily this season, stumbling to a dismal 7-22 record and currently riding a two-game skid. Their offensive output has been lackluster, averaging just 110.6 points per game while allowing a concerning 119.6 points on the defensive end.
However, there are faint glimmers of hope in Utah's recent performances. Over their last five outings, the Jazz have shown marginal improvement, scoring 114.2 points per contest while tightening their defensive grip, allowing 120.6 points – a shade better than their season average. Their three-point shooting has also perked up, hovering around 42% during this stretch, a marked uptick from their season-long 37% clip from beyond the arc.
On the other hand, the 76ers have found their groove, winning 11 of their 28 games thus far. Their recent form has been particularly impressive, with four wins in their last five games and a stellar 70% win rate over their previous 10 contests. Philadelphia's offense has been firing on all cylinders, averaging 111.4 points during their last five outings while maintaining a stingy defense, allowing just 110.4 points per game over the same span.
The 76ers' balanced attack has been a key factor in their success, with their scoring spread evenly across multiple contributors. They've also demonstrated a knack for taking care of the basketball, averaging just 12.4 turnovers per game during their recent five-game stretch – a marked improvement from their season average of 13.5 turnovers.
While Utah's struggles have been well-documented, they'll be looking to draw inspiration from their recent uptick in three-point shooting and defensive improvement. However, Philadelphia's momentum and all-around solid play make them the favorites heading into this matchup, as they aim to continue their ascent up the Eastern Conference standings.