Utah Jazz vs. Charlotte Hornets: Keys to the Game
Prediction – Jazz 109, Hornets 97
While the Milwaukee Bucks aren’t necessarily anything to write home about this year, seeing the Jazz log a dominant win over over an improving opponent was a welcome sight. With the Bucks and Hornets being so near one another in the Eastern Conference standings, I expect Utah to be able to come away with a win in similar fashion.
Given how greatly the Jazz outmatch the Hornets in terms of post presence and overall depth, I expect Utah to cause some real match-up problems for Charlotte, particularly in the paint. If Utah can on top of that find their three-point stroke which was gravely missing the last time these two teams faced off, it should only help them further solidify a victory.
https://twitter.com/utahjazz/status/827238648273854467
Especially if Kemba Walker is officially out due to illness, the Jazz should be able to log their second straight blowout win against a less than formidable opponent.
Considering how well the Jazz played last game, the stark advantage they will enjoy in the paint and the possibility that Walker may not play, I’ve decided to change my prediction somewhat from earlier in the week and project the Jazz as winners in more comfortable fashion than what I had originally presumed.
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Logging a win tonight would propel the Jazz into sole possession of fourth place in the West (for the time being) and provide them with an important confidence boost as they’ll prepare to head out on a three-game road trip next week against three teams that have been playing relatively well of late in the Hawks, Pelicans and Mavericks.
And considering how well Utah has played against teams with losing records this season, I fully expect them to be able to take care of business tonight, then be well-prepared for the tough tasks that face them ahead as they look to finish strong in the final weeks leading up to the All-Star break.
All stats courtesy of NBA.com