Utah Jazz Preseason Week Two Outlook, Predictions

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 6: The Utah Jazz honor the National Anthem before the game against the Phoenix Suns on October 6, 2017 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 6: The Utah Jazz honor the National Anthem before the game against the Phoenix Suns on October 6, 2017 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – OCTOBER 6: The Utah Jazz honor the National Anthem before the game against the Phoenix Suns on October 6, 2017 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – OCTOBER 6: The Utah Jazz honor the National Anthem before the game against the Phoenix Suns on October 6, 2017 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Utah Jazz will look to go undefeated in preseason as they take on the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers in their final two contests.

Although the Utah Jazz are currently 3-0 in preseason play and have looked extremely promising in each of their first three victories, it’s hard to get all that excited for the two remaining preseason games due to the unfortunate shadow looming over these games. I’m, of course, referring to the recent left shoulder injury sustained by Dante Exum which could have him sidelined for the entirety of the 2017-18 season.

Exum was looking so solid in preseason play and was obviously primed for a break-out year. Unfortunately, fate, fortune and a soaring T.J. Warren put a major damper on that prospect. Regardless of what happens with Exum this season, he’s bound to miss significant time which could delay his progress once again.

Nevertheless, life will go on for him and his teammates as will the excitement of Jazz basketball. Utah will wrap up preseason play with two back-to-back games this week. First, they’ll be on the road against a familiar Phoenix Suns team on Monday. Then, on the second night of a back-to-back, the Jazz will hit the road once more to visit the Los Angeles Lakers Tuesday night in a bout that will be televised nationally on ESPN.

None of the Jazz’s preseason opponents, particularly those from outside of the NBA, are or have been all that daunting of foes, so the real test will clearly start once the regular season gets underway. Still, the games so far have been a good rehearsal and the final two contests ought to be as well.

The Jazz will face plenty of young and promising talent in the upcoming days as they look to go a perfect 5-0 in preseason play. Let’s take a look at what they’re up against.