Jazz conclude road trip at Hornets

Utah has won the first two games on its trek and posted a 109-83 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday at the Target Center. Deron Williams notched 21 points and eight assists, as the Jazz improved to 17-12 as the visitor this season.

Gordan Giricek scored a season-high 20 points for the Jazz, who have won three of four and 10 of their last 12 games. Matt Harpring netted 19 points, while Andrei Kirilenko, Mehmet Okur and Paul Millsap each had 10 points in the rout.

The Jazz are currently fourth in the Western Conference standings, while New Orleans/Oklahoma City is a game off the eighth and final playoff spot.

Meanwhile, the Hornets have dropped two of their last three games, including Friday’s 104-93 setback to the Chicago Bulls at the United Center.

Tyson Chandler made his first return to Chicago since being traded to the Hornets in the offseason, and registered his 11th straight double-double with 10 points and 13 boards.

The Hornets, who are second to last in the Southwest standings, are back home where they own a 19-11 record this season. They have won six in a row as the host.

Sunday’s showdown between Utah and New Orleans/Oklahoma City is the second of three meetings this season. The Hornets won the first encounter, 94-83, on January 27 at the Ford Center.

Utah has won four of the last six meetings. It has also won three of its last four games at the Hornets.