3/16 Utah at Cleveland
5:00 pm MT – NBATV/Root Sports
Opponent record: 43-21
Season series: Jazz lead 1-0
Sometimes NBA scheduling can be a cruel thing. While this contest could very well be one of the more exciting ones of the season for the Jazz, unfortunately it’s coming for them on the second night of a back-to-back and in the third game in four days.
The Cavs, meanwhile, will be coming in off of a day of rest and with their impressive 26-7 home record, Cleveland may very well prove to be too much for the Jazz.
Although LeBron James has struggled mightily to win in Salt Lake City, having lost six straight games there, Utah has not fared much better on his home court either. The Jazz haven’t won in Cleveland since LeBron rejoined the Cavaliers and their last road win over the King came on November 9, 2010 in overtime when James was a member of the Miami Heat.
Oddly enough, that season was the last time James won in Utah as well, so it will be interesting to see which trend is broken first.
Great win for this team to start the homestand! Love the support at home!! #TakeNote pic.twitter.com/v5GVLnCfW3
— Gordon Hayward (@gordonhayward) January 11, 2017
Given that the Cavs have been in a bit of a slump, losing three of their last four, I’d love to say that the Jazz will be the ones to end that losing streak first by defeating James and Co. on the road this week, but unfortunately I’m feeling less than confident.
The Cavs have stumbled a bit of late but with the playoffs nearing, I expect them to get back on track sooner rather than later and with Utah coming in on the second night of a back-to-back, it simply doesn’t bode well for their chances.
Still, it’s somewhat amazing that despite all the clout Cleveland receives (and don’t get me wrong, much of it is well-deserved), they actually only have two more wins than the Jazz this season while playing in a weaker conference. This goes to show that they’re certainly beatable and while I don’t necessarily expect the Jazz to win, I predict that they’ll at least make it a close game.
My Prediction: Cavaliers Win
Final Score: Cleveland 102, Utah 96