10/28 Utah vs. Los Angeles Lakers
7:00 pm MT – Root Sports/League Pass
Opponent record: 0-0
Season series: Tied 0-0
Especially considering the way Utah’s final game of the season went last year, they should be out for revenge against the Lakers this year. Yes, that game was somewhat of a fluke for several reasons and of course the infamous Black Mamba will no longer be a threat to the Jazz, but getting back at the Lakers and their young bucks should still be a top priority for Utah.
Ironically, the last time these two teams faced one another at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 28, 2016, Utah dealt Kobe the worst loss of his career and tied the Lakers’ worst-ever franchise loss with a breathtaking 123-75 victory.
Although the Jazz probably won’t put up that kind of a win this time around, I do expect an exceptional performance and a convincing victory in the home opener. Not only will the Jazz be out for revenge, but they’ll be playing their first real game on their brand new court in front of an amped-up audience that has been long anticipating the start of this new year.
The game will be a Blue Out for those attending the game at Vivint Arena, and for those who will be checking out the game from the comfort of their couch, blue apparel is definitely still welcomed as well.
With the up-and-coming Jazz out to prove themselves in front of 19,000+ passionate Jazz fans while taking on a young, rebuilding and Kobe-less Los Angeles Lakers team that has a long ways to go before they re-enter the contender conversation, I’m expecting a big win for the Jazz in this one in which they’ll set the tone on their home court for the season.
My Prediction: Jazz Win
Final Score: Utah 101, Los Angeles 83