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

By Jared Woodcox

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - NOVEMBER 11: Utah Jazz reacts against the Brooklyn Nets on November 11, 2017 at Vivint Smart Home 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 - NOVEMBER 11: Utah Jazz reacts against the Brooklyn Nets on November 11, 2017 at Vivint Smart Home 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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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 20: Ricky Rubio (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 20: Ricky Rubio (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

11/13 Utah vs. Minnesota

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

Opponent record: 7-5

Season series: Timberwolves lead 1-0

The Utah Jazz were a late Rudy Gobert turnover away from defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves when the two teams faced off just a few weeks ago as Utah fell by a narrow score of 100-97 after failing to close Minnesota out. Gobert won’t be around tomorrow night to make such a turnover, but that will obviously hurt the Jazz in several other areas as they’ll have their hands full trying to contain Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns without him.

Nevertheless, considering that the Jazz seemed to get some of their rhythm back on Saturday after defeating the Brooklyn Nets at home as well as the fact that the Timberwolves have been very much inconsistent, not only in their overall play, but more specifically in their hustle, energy and focus, it’s not out of the question that the Jazz could come out on top. They’ll need Derrick Favors to step up once again and for Donovan Mitchell and Rodney Hood to continue to be effective scorers regardless of which one starts or comes off the bench.

However, the Jazz have struggled of late and earning a win over a solid Minnesota team feels less than likely, especially without Rudy Gobert in their ranks. I’d be shocked if Utah didn’t manage to at least keep this game close, but I have a feeling that the T-Wolves will eventually pull away in the end.

My Prediction: Timberwolves Win

Final Score: Minnesota 98, Utah 91

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