Thunder vs. Jazz Preview

That soothing sound you hear off in the distance is the Jazz rolling into Oklahoma City.

It seems like these guys get together every week, but it's actually the first meeting between the two since December. OKC is 3-0 against Utah this season and will be playing for the season sweep.

Here are a few things to watch for:

1. Rocky Mountain High

Utah comes into Thursday's game on a roll. The Jazz (35-36) have won six of seven, including a win over Cleveland and another in Houston. That win over the Rockets on Wednesday vaulted Utah ahead of Houston and into the No. 8 playoff spot.

The Jazz have some tough games down the stretch including one matchup against each of the Western Conference's top four teams, so holding on to that spot won't be easy.

2. Triple-Double Trouble

Russell Westbrook recorded his 15th triple-double of the season on Tuesday against the Rockets. That's the most since the 1988-89 season when Magic Johnson had 17 and Michael Jordan had 15. As a frame of reference, Russ was born in the middle of that season.

Russ has a triple-double in six of his past nine games including three straight. Something tells me he'll make Utah's scouting report.

3. Going Streaking

Utah hasn't fared too well against the Thunder recently. In fact, the Jazz have lost nine straight visits to Oklahoma City. The Thunder will look to keep that streak alive, and if Westbrook can manage another triple-double, their chances of doing so are quite high. OKC is 15-0 this season when Russ rides the proverbial tricycle, so that should make the game plan simple, right?

Tip from Chesapeake Arena is set for 7 p.m.