As the Utah Jazz prepare to host the Toronto Raptors at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, fans are buzzing with anticipation for what promises to be an electrifying game. The Jazz, coming off a string of performances that have been as unpredictable as they've been thrilling, are looking to assert their dominance on their home court.

TORONTO, CANADA - DECEMBER 23: Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors grabs a rebound during the game against the Utah Jazz on December 23, 2023 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/NBAE via Getty Images)

In their last encounter on December 24th against the Raptors, the Jazz emerged victorious with a score of 126-119. It was a game that showcased Utah's offensive prowess, with an impressive field goal percentage of 53 and a three-point shooting rate of 45 percent. The bench contributed significantly with 55 points, indicating depth that could prove vital in upcoming games.

However, it wasn't all smooth sailing for UTA; despite leading for just over six minutes and holding a ten-point lead at best, they allowed TOR to dominate most of the game time-wise. This is something they'll need to address if they want more control over the upcoming match's pace.

TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 23: Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz dunks against the Toronto Raptors during the first half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on December 23, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)

The Jazz's ability to capitalize on turnovers was evident in their December 22nd victory over Detroit Pistons where they scored 27 points off turnovers. Their defensive efforts also shone through with seven blocks and fifteen steals contributing to their eight-point win margin.

Yet consistency remains UTA's Achilles heel – while they can put up big numbers offensively as seen against both TOR and DET (119 points), defensive lapses have cost them dearly in games like their December 21st loss against Cleveland Cavaliers where they gave up 124 points.

TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 23: Collin Sexton #2 of the Utah Jazz dribbles against the Toronto Raptors during the second half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on December 23, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)

The key player statistics from these past games paint a picture of what UTA needs to focus on: maintaining high efficiency while tightening defense. With an average assist-to-turnover ratio above two across these matches, it’s clear that when UTA plays smart basketball by sharing the ball and minimizing mistakes, success follows.

The Raptors will not make things easy though; boasting fast break percentages upwards of fifty percent indicates that TOR is lethal in transition – an area where UTA must be vigilant. Additionally, Toronto’s bench scoring has been less potent compared to Utah’s which could tip scales in favor of UTA if both teams' starters end up neck-and-neck.

Looking ahead at this matchup between two closely matched teams – each hungry for wins after sub-.500 starts – it seems likely we're set for another nail-biter at Delta Center. Will Utah leverage its home-court advantage? Or will Toronto exact revenge? Only time will tell but one thing is certain: fans should expect fireworks come game night.

Mark your calendars for January 13th when this exciting NBA action tips off at 8:30 PM MTN time right here in Salt Lake City's own Delta Center. For those unable to attend live can catch all the action broadcasted on KJZZ locally or SportsNet internationally.

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