Feb 21, 2019Rudy Gobert didn't hide his disappointment at not making the NBA All-Star Game for the first time despite averaging 15.2 points and 12.9 rebounds while leading the league in field-goal percentage.But coming off the 10-day break, the Utah Jazz center says he's re-energized heading into Friday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder."Just recharge, completely -- mentally, physically," Gobert said. "For me, I was able to get a little bit of sun and feel a lot better when I get back."The next two months, I feel like, will be a lot better." The Jazz, who have won 13 of their last 16 games, come out of the break sixth in the Western Conference but with one of the NBA's easiest schedules down the stretch.Utah plays just eight of its final 25 games against teams that are above .500.One of those, though, is Friday night's game in Oklahoma City, which sits third in the West after winning 11 of 13 before the break.The Thunder, on the other hand, have one of the league's most challenging schedules moving forward. Oklahoma City plays 17 of its remaining 25 games against teams above .500 including each of the first five out of the break.The Thunder have won the first two meetings between the teams, including a 122-113 win on Dec. 10 in Oklahoma City.An Oklahoma City win would clinch the season series for the Thunder after Utah eliminated Oklahoma City in the first round of the playoffs last season.The Thunder's Russell Westbrook has a streak of 10 consecutive triple-doubles. During that stretch, he's averaged 21.9 points, 13.3 rebounds and 13.5 assists.Utah is hopeful backup point guard Dante Exum, who has missed the last 17 games with a left ankle sprain, will be able to return against the Thunder."I think when he's playing well, he can have a big impact for us and having him back soon is going to help us a lot," Gobert said.The Thunder could have forward Markieff Morris available for the first time. Morris signed with Oklahoma City over the All-Star break after being waived by New Orleans following his trade from Washington on Feb. 7.Morris was averaging 11.5 points and 5.1 rebounds for the Wizards this season before suffering a neck injury in late December that has kept him out since. Morris was cleared to play two weeks ago."We got a big piece in Markieff that we're excited for, and we're going to be ready for the second half after this break," Oklahoma City's Paul George said.Thunder coach Billy Donovan said, "We'll see," when asked Thursday if Morris would play against the Jazz.The Thunder also figure to have both starting forward Jerami Grant and backup point guard Dennis Schroder back after each missed the last two games before the break, Grant with an ankle injury and Schroder after the birth of his child.Friday's game is the start of a back-to-back for both teams, with the Jazz hosting Dallas on Saturday and Oklahoma City hosting Sacramento.--Field Level Media
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