Prediction – Jazz 102, Bucks 93
There’s no questioning that the Bucks have some electric talent on their team, most notably in All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo, and that they can be a dangerous foe. Nevertheless, I was really encouraged by how well the Jazz were able to slow Milwaukee in Salt Lake City and I feel this is a great match-up for them.
True, it’s always tougher to go out on the road, but given that the Bucks aren’t all that much better at home (14-14) than they are on the road (11-16), I’m confident that Utah will be able to prevail over Milwaukee’s less than daunting home court advantage.
Nevertheless, it will likely be a bit more closely contested bout than last time, so just as I projected in my week outlook piece, I’m going to pin the Jazz as nine-point winners.
More from The J-Notes
- With the FIBA World Cup over for Simone Fontecchio, it’s clear he deserves minutes for the Utah Jazz
- Best, Worst and Most likely scenarios for the Utah Jazz this season
- Hoops Hype downplays the significance of the Utah Jazz’s valuable assets
- 3 Utah Jazz players who have the most to gain or lose this season
- Former Utah Jazz forward Rudy Gay is a free agent still and it shouldn’t surprise anyone
Given that Utah ended up losing three of their last four contests heading into the All-Star break, it has seemed like an extra long time since we’ve seen the Jazz play consistently winning basketball. Yes, the latest win over Portland was nice, but it would be even nicer to see the Jazz get on a roll like they were not long before their most recent slump.
If they’re to do so and build some momentum for the tough road trip they have ahead that features visits to Washington and Oklahoma City, it’s crucial that they got off on the right foot and come away with a big confidence-building win tonight.
All stats courtesy of NBA.com