Prediction – Timberwolves 111, Jazz 104
Make no mistake about it, the Utah Jazz are absolutely capable of winning this game. Despite the hype that the Timberwolves have received since their incredibly successful summer, they’re going to have plenty of kinks to work out and the Jazz should very well be able to remain competitive against them. Particularly if the Jazz can replicate their performance to close out the win against Denver, they could even win in commanding fashion.
Nevertheless, Utah is dealing with several new faces as well, and given that the new-look Wolves will have an enormous amount of energy in their home opener as they look to set the tone for the season, I have a feeling that this first road contest for the Jazz could be a difficult one. I expect a highly competitive game throughout all four quarters, but at the end of the night, I believe Minnesota will find a way to pull away for a seven-point win.
Next: Utah Jazz: After arduous road, the old Alec Burks is back in effect
After Friday’s bout, the Jazz will go on to play perhaps the toughest of their divisional foes – the Oklahoma City Thunder – in the second night of a back-to-back. The now star-studded Thunder will be a tough team to overcome, so hopefully Utah can go into the contest on a high note after proving me wrong and logging a confidence-raising win over the Timberwolves on Friday.