Utah Jazz vs. San Antonio Spurs: Keys to the Game

Apr 2, 2017; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Jonathon Simmons (17) drives to the basket as Utah Jazz point guard Dante Exum (11) and Rudy Gobert (27) defend during the second half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2017; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Jonathon Simmons (17) drives to the basket as Utah Jazz point guard Dante Exum (11) and Rudy Gobert (27) defend during the second half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 4, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz guard George Hill (3) is introduced prior to the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Vivint Smart Home Arena. San Antonio won 100-86. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 4, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz guard George Hill (3) is introduced prior to the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Vivint Smart Home Arena. San Antonio won 100-86. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Prediction – Jazz 103, Spurs 100

Maybe it’s partially because I’m riding a high from the Jazz win over the Warriors on Monday night, but more than anything I’m thrilled about the prospect of finally seeing all five of Utah’s main guys in action tonight and as such, I’m going to reverse my prediction from earlier in the week and pin the Jazz as winners tonight.

It’s going to take all they can muster, especially if Popovich was serious about playing all of his main guys, but with home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs still in play, and with this Utah team wanting to show just what their true starters are capable of by pulling off an emotional win in the final regular season game in front of their home crowd, I’m expecting a thrilling game that sees the Jazz find a way to come out on top.

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It’s going to be tough, you can count on that, but hopefully a Jazz win over one of the best teams in the league tonight will spur them on (no pun intended) to even greater heights in the postseason. I would argue that Utah’s biggest issue against the Clippers has been mental, so if this team is able to get a win tonight and ride that momentum and confidence into their first round series, then the Jazz could be in a great spot to challenge LA.

In all honesty, it’s hard to believe that we’ve reached the final game of the year. However, it’s thrilling to know that the Utah Jazz’s season is far from over. Tonight’s final regular season game will be a great measuring stick and an incredible test for the Jazz to prove to the fans, and to themselves, just what they’re made of as they make their return to postseason play.

All stats courtesy of NBA.com