The expected absence tonight of Michael Porter (back problems) isn't great news for the Nets after Porter's recent 30+-point outings vs. the Bulls and Hornets. Brooklyn, however, is on its first win streak of the season, and even though Barclays Center hasn't proved much of a fortress this term, the recent form encourages (especially an overdue home win, vs. Charlotte), with 6-10 ex-Bama F Noah Clowney (scored 20 vs. the Bulls last night) making more consistent contributions, and the Nets not taking off possessions on the stop end for Jordi Fernandez. Utah has more flash, but we have long believed if there is a time to go with the Jazz, it's at home, not the road, where Utah has lost seven of eight. Play Nets

Keyonte George has scored at least 27 points in four of his last five games. The one time that he didn’t, he played just 19 minutes against the Rockets while battling an illness. He is in the midst of a terrific season that has seen him average 22.8 points per game. After shooting 39.1% from the field in both of his first two seasons in the league, he has shot 44.6% this season. The Nets have the third-worst defensive rating in the league, so George could continue to score in bunches.