The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz 2017-18 Week One Outlook, Predictions

By Jared Woodcox

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 10: The Utah Jazz stand for the National Anthem before a preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 10, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 10: The Utah Jazz stand for the National Anthem before a preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 10, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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10/18 Utah vs. Denver

7:00 pm MT – AT&T SportsNet/League Pass

Opponent record: 0-0 (3-2 in Preseason)

Season series: Tied 0-0

The Denver Nuggets presented some problems for the Utah Jazz last season as they managed to split the season series two games apiece. Their fast-paced offense and, of course, the versatility of big man Nikola Jokic made them a tough match-up for the Jazz as well as for several teams across the league.

Despite their inconsistencies, the Nuggets were a highly competitive team last year that held onto the eighth spot in the West for much of the year until a red-hot Portland Trail Blazers team was able to burst their way ahead of Denver in the standings, thanks largely to the help of former Nugget Jusuf Nurkic, ironically.

Between internal development of their young and promising players, such as the aforementioned Jokic and Gary Harris, and the addition of four-time All-Star Paul Millsap, the team from the Mile High City figures to present even more of a challenge this season in the incredibly stacked Western Conference. Thus, the Jazz could very well have their hands full in the season opener on Wednesday night.

These two teams have a bit of interesting recent history as well given that Utah’s star player Rudy Gobert and promising rookie Donovan Mitchell were both acquired in separate trades with Denver that have thus far gone overwhelmingly in the Jazz’s favor. Sure, the jury is still out on the Mitchell trade, but all signs indicate that trading for the rookie out of Louisville will prove to be a second straight instance where the Jazz have fleeced the Nuggets in a deal.

Thus, the Nuggets may have some extra incentive to try to stick it to the Jazz, and both teams should be motivated as they look to start the new season out on the right foot. While this will by no means be an easy win, I am pinning the Jazz to come out on top, though.

While Utah certainly will have some kinks to work out with several new faces on the team, given the fact that they’ll be playing on their home court in a newly renovated arena with plenty of reason to disprove the overwhelming narrative that this team is slated to take a step backwards due to Hayward’s departure, I think they’re going to come out with an indomitable energy and passion that will carry them over an unproven Nuggets team.

Don’t get me wrong, I think Denver can be a solid squad this year, but even with a rising star like Jokic and a proven big man in Paul Millsap, Denver’s backcourt and second unit still are quite questionable and Utah should be able to utilize their depth to overwhelm them, especially on their home court. Therefore, I’m giving the Jazz the slight edge in this one as they’ll look to start the season with a perfect 1-0 record.

My Prediction: Jazz Win

Final Score: Utah 102, Denver 96

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