The Jazz will be without key starters Lauri Markkanen and Jordan Clarkson, making them shorthanded for tonight's game against the Pistons.
Despite that setback, it should be an intense competition, and the Jazz will rely on their big man, Walker Kessler, to offer elite rim protection.
Kessler has been performing remarkably well lately, averaging 3.1 blocks per 30 minutes and earning more playing time. He has played consecutive 30+ minute games for the first time in 20 games, and his intimidating presence around the paint is well known.
The big man has a 9.1 block rate percentage, the highest among all qualified players in the league. He has registered at least four blocks in the three games he has played for 30 or more minutes.
Kessler is now set for an ideal matchup against the Pistons, which will enable him to rack up some impressive stats. The Pistons concede the most blocks to opposing centers (3.93 per game) and are ranked seventh in the league in total drives (55.1) per game.
Seven of the eight centers who have played against the Pistons have hit this prop, including Clint Capela (3 blocks), Brook Lopez (4 and 5 blocks), Joel Embiid (4 blocks), Myles Turner (3 blocks) and Jaren Jackson Jr. (3 blocks).
