What to Watch for in Rockets vs Jazz

Meanwhile, the Jazz are coming off snapping a four-game losing streak and will hope to avoid heading back to the losing column with Lauri Markkanen leading the way, averaging 28.5 points per game.

Houston will be glad to have their veteran scorer, Kevin Durant, back in the lineup, as he returns from a two-game break of his own.

The team proved to do just fine with Durant attending to family business, but it's still a great feeling for the Rockets to have back a player of his caliber.

Houston fans will be hopeful that players like Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard can remain hot offensively following this three-day break.

The two young players were able to put together some solid outings during Durant's time away.

Here are a few things to watch for in the Rockets-Jazz matchup:

Will Reed Sheppard Return to the Bench?

With their superstar out, the Rockets turned to second-year guard Reed Sheppard to step up to the plate, not only increasing his minutes against Phoenix but also earning a start against the Golden State Warriors, where he dropped a career-high 31 points.

Now that Durant is back, it is likely Sheppard will return to the bench, although he has definitely proven to be worth another start in the future.

The former Kentucky guard is averaging 14.3 points, with an impressive 45.5% accuracy from three-point range.

As Tari Eason remains sidelined and Dorian Finney-Smith still has no timetable for a start, Sheppard will still see an increased role, but with the Rockets' starting lineup back in tact, the young guard is probably headed back to his role off the bench.

Slowing Down Markkanen

Coming into this game, Jazz's emerging guard, Keyonte George, is suffering from an illness, which may give the Rockets an easier matchup, as the primary focus will be on Lauri Markkanen.

If Houston can slow down Utah's primary option, then it should have no problem running away with this game.

Kevin Durant will draw the matchup to begin the game, but certainly expect Coach Udoka to throw several different players at Markkanen to throw the talented scorer off his game.

Game Information:

Date: Sun, Nov 30.
Time: 3:00 p.m. CT
Location: Delta Center - Salt Lake City, Utah
TV: NBA League Pass