Utah Jazz Week Three Outlook, Predictions

The Utah Jazz looked much improved in week two, improving their record to 4-3, and will look to keep momentum during a tough road trip.

Last week started out with a bang as the Utah Jazz ran away with a victory over the Spurs in San Antonio, contrary to what I had predicted. Utah maintained momentum in the second night of a back-to-back by defeating the Mavs before falling to the Spurs in the rematch contest on Friday night.

Fortunately, Utah was able to end the weekend on a high note with a solid victory over the New York Knicks on the road in a game that saw Gordon Hayward make his 2016-17 season debut.

While I pessimistically had the Jazz going 1-3 for the week, they shamed me for my doubting and went a solid 3-1, improving their overall record to 4-3. For my part, I correctly selected two out of four contests to go 2-2 and even up my “pick-em” record with that of the Jazz’s at 4-3.

I’m sure the suspense over who will finish on top is almost too much to handle.

Anyhow, Utah seems to be on a roll. And while playing five straight games in a row on the road is always tough (the final four of those will be this week), the level of talent of Utah’s opponents is by no means overwhelming and if they continue to play like they did on Wednesday and Sunday, then they could very well sweep the week.

However, that would be a very tall order, particularly with so much travel between games and as Gordon Hayward and Derrick Favors continue to work their way back into game shape. Thus, it wouldn’t surprise me if the Jazz hit a snag or two along the way.

Here’s a look at next week’s opponents and what’s in store for the Jazz as they finish out this first road trip of the season.