PREVIEW: The Utah Jazz arrive at Spectrum Center ranked 2nd in allowing few shots attacking the rim on defense, yet struggle significantly with inefficient 3-point shooting (ranked 28th) and poor spacing on offense (ranked 29th). Utah has dropped three of their past four games overall and will be hoping to avoid a third straight defeat after getting scorched by the Suns in a 118-96 road defeat. The Jazz have benefited from a hot start by Lauri Markkanen, who put up 33 points on Friday against Phoenix and averages 33.8 ppg through five games, ranking fourth among NBA players to start the year. Utah faces a significant road obstacle, having gone 0-10 across their last 10 road games, posting 107.20 points per contest while yielding 125.80. The Charlotte Hornets boast excellent defense against 3-point shooting (ranked 4th in allowing low-quality threes) and high offensive spacing (ranked 4th), but are plagued by a high turnover rate (ranked 24th). The Hornets have been in poor form, losing five of their last six games, and will be eager to snap a three-game slide after getting thrashed by the Timberwolves in a 122-105 home defeat. The Hornets offense has been successful to start the campaign, led by LaMelo Ball (24.4 points and 10.2 assists per game), and Charlotte ranks fifth in the league in offensive rating, driven by offensive rebounding and quality shot-making. The Hornets open as slight favorites at home, but they are also playing the second game of a back-to-back set following last night's loss to the Timberwolves.