Utah Jazz Week Three Outlook, Predictions

11/7 Utah at Philadelphia

5:00 pm MT – NBATV

Opponent record: 0-5

Season series: Tied 0-0

While no game is a “gimme” in a league of professionals, this one is about as close as it gets. Though the Sixers were projected to be at least a little improved this season, so far it’s been more of the same for this beleaguered team that currently sits at 0-5.

In Philly’s defense, three of their five losses have been extremely close most notably their Saturday contest against the Cleveland Cavaliers in which the 76ers lost by a narrow 102-101. The Cavs led big in that game but let their foot off the gas in the final period and allowed the Sixers to nearly fight their way back.

Philadelphia was led in that game by Joel Embiid, who has been a definite bright point on the team so far, with 22 points followed by the recently acquired Ersan Ilyasova who put in 21 off the bench.

But the fact that rookie Embiid and the veteran Ilyasova who has only logged two games with the Sixers are the team’s two leading scorers says a lot about the struggles Philly is having so far. There’s some talent on this team, but it’s inconsistent and not nearly prominent enough to handle a deep team like the Jazz.

The only way I see Utah (or most any team for that matter) losing to this Sixers squad is if they get complacent and in essence fall asleep at the wheel for a game. While that will almost certainly happen a few times this season, I don’t see it happening to the Jazz in Monday’s bout. Utah should win this one handily.

Yes, it will be their second game in as many nights, but they found a way to bring energy to the early contest against New York and the back-to-back against the Mavs so I expect they’ll easily be able to do so against a lackluster team such as Philadelphia.

My Prediction: Jazz Win

Final Score: Utah 105, Philadelphia 87