The J-Notes
Fansided

Utah Jazz Week Two Outlook, Predictions

By Jared Woodcox

facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
Apr 5, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) dribbles the ball as Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) defends during the second half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. San Antonio won 88-86. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) dribbles the ball as Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) defends during the second half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. San Antonio won 88-86. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

11/1 Utah at San Antonio

6:30 pm MT – Root Sports/League Pass

Opponent record: 4-0

Season series: Tied 0-0

Well, I’d say that San Antonio has looked pretty good so far this year. After starting out the season with a 29-point thrashing of the defending Western Conference Champion (and offseason hype champion) Golden State Warriors, the Spurs have gone on to make light work of the Kings, Pelicans and Heat to start the year with a perfect 4-0 record.

Kawhi Leonard has been unbelievable as he is currently averaging 28 points per game on 50 percent shooting from the field. Wow.

The Jazz defense will most certainly have their hands full as they try to contain Leonard and the Spurs. The only bit of encouragement thus far for the Jazz is the fact that both the Heat and Kings had chances to claim a victory were it not for strong fourth quarter performances from San Antonio.

The Heat had a huge comeback to take the lead about midway through the fourth before being smothered by Kawhi and Co. and the Kings led practically the entire way until San Antonio took over in the final period.

Jan 18, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots the ball over Utah Jazz small forward Joe Ingles (2) during the second half at AT&T Center. The Spurs won 89-69. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots the ball over Utah Jazz small forward Joe Ingles (2) during the second half at AT&T Center. The Spurs won 89-69. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

If Utah can somehow find a way to hang in with the Spurs and prevent a fourth quarter takeover, they may find themselves with a fighting chance.

Unfortunately, seeing the way Utah played during week one doesn’t have me feeling too confident. The Spurs have looked nearly flawless so far this season and will be playing on their home court where the Jazz lost by 37 and 25 points in their two contests last season. Add the fact that Utah finished 0-4 against them last year and their chances just aren’t looking good.

I suppose the one X-factor could be Boris Diaw. Perhaps playing on his former home court will bring out an animal that we haven’t seen just yet. But given the fact that Diaw is currently averaging 0.7 points per game on 9.1 percent shooting in 23.1 minutes per game this season and has yet to make a three, I wouldn’t hold my breath.

And yes, none of those are typos, check out his stats at this link if you don’t believe me. Yikes.

So as much as it pains me to say it, I’m projecting an ugly loss for Utah in this first bout at San Antonio.

My Prediction: Spurs Win

Final Score: San Antonio 108, Utah 88

Home/Jazz News