Utah Jazz Week Nine Outlook, Predictions

12/20 Utah at Golden State

8:30 pm MT – NBATV/Root Sports

Opponent record: 24-4

Season series: Warriors lead 1-0

The first contest between the Jazz and Warriors was a bit disappointing in the fact that Utah was forced to play without four of its starters. Gordon Hayward, Rodney Hood, George Hill and Derrick Favors were all sidelined due to various injuries creating a game that would have taken an utter miracle for the Jazz to win.

Yet, the game turned out to be a lot more closely contested than one might have supposed. Despite trailing early, the Jazz battled back and got within five points in the final period before ultimately falling by just seven points.

It was a testament to the heart, depth and determination of a Jazz team that refuses to be overlooked by anyone.

While they likely still won’t be full-strength in Tuesday’s rematch, the Jazz will be the beneficiaries of a big boost with the likes of Gordon Hayward, Rodney Hood and Derrick Favors all back in action.

While it was Joe Ingles who shined the most in that contest, Rudy Gobert was also solid and has been the Jazz’s most consistent and dominant force over the last two weeks. Against the Warriors, Gobert put in 20 points and 17 rebounds and with the Warriors lacking in frontcourt size, his performance will likely be the deciding factor in whether the Jazz are able to steal a win or not.

While Utah showed that they are capable of competing against the Warriors even with the chips against them and could very well put up another close contest on Tuesday, I have a hard time seeing the Jazz going into Oracle and stealing a win from such a tough Warriors team, especially without George Hill in action.

Thus I’m going to give Golden State a slight edge in this one, especially on their home court, but with the Jazz bringing a lot more firepower to this fight, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them be even more competitive this time around.

My Prediction: Warriors Win

Final Score: Golden State 112, Utah 106