Utah Jazz vs. Boston Celtics: Keys to the Game

Jan 3, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Utah Jazz guard / forward Joe Johnson (6) drives against Boston Celtics forward / center Amir Johnson (90) during the fourth quarter at TD Garden. The Boston Celtics won 115-104. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Utah Jazz guard / forward Joe Johnson (6) drives against Boston Celtics forward / center Amir Johnson (90) during the fourth quarter at TD Garden. The Boston Celtics won 115-104. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 29, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Utah Jazz head coach Quin Snyder (right) speaks to forward Gordon Hayward (20) during the second half of a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 29, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Utah Jazz head coach Quin Snyder (right) speaks to forward Gordon Hayward (20) during the second half of a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /

Prediction – Jazz 102, Celtics 94

Earlier in the week, I predicted that the Jazz would come out victorious in this game by an eight-point margin. However, I was feeling quite hesitant with my pick and was hoping to have a better feel for my expectations after Utah’s recent three-game road stint.

However, that loss to Dallas has only made me feel all the more nervous about my prediction.

Nevertheless, I’m confident that the Jazz won’t dwell too much on that one defeat and instead will learn from their mistakes and come out ready to go tonight. Especially with the news that Jae Crowder and Avery Bradley will both be out, I like Utah’s chances even more. Therefore, I’m going to go ahead and keep my prediction the same as it was.

More from The J-Notes

Tonight’s game against the Celtics will be the first of three home games leading up to the All-Star break, giving Utah an enormous opportunity to get the home stand started out right with a victory tonight.

It won’t get much easier, though, given that Utah faces the Los Angeles Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers next week, so the next three games beginning with tonight’s affair will be a good measuring stick to see how the Jazz truly stack up with the All-Star break nearing.

All stats courtesy of NBA.com