Utah Jazz vs. Milwaukee Bucks: Keys to the Game

Mar 20, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) and Milwaukee Bucks forward John Henson (31) reach for the loose ball during the second quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 20, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) and Milwaukee Bucks forward John Henson (31) reach for the loose ball during the second quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 20, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) shoots around Milwaukee Bucks center Miles Plumlee (18) during the fourth quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 20, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) shoots around Milwaukee Bucks center Miles Plumlee (18) during the fourth quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Prediction – Jazz 98, Bucks 90

While it would be nice to see Utah have a big night and win in commanding fashion on their home court, blowout victories have been few and far between for them as they’ve had to grind out several of their wins this season.

Against a Bucks team that will be equally rested, desperate for a win and boasts several athletic and talented players, I’m expecting a close contest.

https://twitter.com/utahjazz/status/826189154107035648

Nevertheless, given that Utah has played exceptionally well against teams with losing records and due to the fact that, aside from perhaps Antetokounmpo and Parker, the Jazz are more talented and deeper across the board, I still expect them to come away with a win tonight.

Therefore, just as I had pinned in my week preview piece, I’m going to predict the Jazz as eight-point winners in what should be a highly entertaining contest in their first meeting against Milwaukee.

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If such is the case, the Utah Jazz will get a much-needed win that will help them get back on track after a rough stretch last week.

If Utah hopes to continue to claw their way up the standings and steal the fourth place spot from the Clippers, tonight’s game is one of many winnable contests between now and the All-Star break in which they’ll need to come out on top.

All stats courtesy of NBA.com