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

By Jared Woodcox

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 30: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz dunks the ball against the LA Clippers on November 30, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 30: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz dunks the ball against the LA Clippers on November 30, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – NOVEMBER 29: Chris Paul #3 and James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets stand for the National Anthem before the game against the Indiana Pacers on November 29, 2017 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. 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 Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – NOVEMBER 29: Chris Paul #3 and James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets stand for the National Anthem before the game against the Indiana Pacers on November 29, 2017 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. 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 Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images) /

12/7 Utah vs. Houston

8:30 pm MT – TNT

Opponent record: 17-4

Season series: Rockets lead 1-0

The Houston Rockets are dang good and they’ve been on a tear of late as they’ve won nine of their last ten. The first time they met up with the Utah Jazz, the game was practically over in the first quarter as Houston walked all over the Jazz to win 137-110. The Rockets are undefeated since Chris Paul made his return from injury and it’s no stretch to say that Houston is looking every bit as formidable as the Golden State Warriors.

Therefore, the Jazz are certain to have their work cut out for them in this second meeting of the season. Fortunately this time around the game will take place in Salt Lake City, so hopefully a rowdy crowd that will be energized for a nationally televised TNT contest will be rocking and ready to go.

The Jazz will need that kind of boost if they’re to stop Paul as well as James Harden who had an unbelievable game in the last contest between these two teams. He finished with 56 points on an astounding 19-of-25 shooting. He simply could not miss and quite frankly neither could his teammates. It was one of those special nights where Houston looked unstoppable.

Honestly, though, I don’t think Harden and Co. will be able to repeat that shooting barrage on Thursday inside of Vivint Smart Home Arena, so I’m predicting a closer game. Nevertheless, considering how hot the Rockets have been all season long, I’d be quite surprised to see a Jazz team that’s only recently started to right the ship come away victorious, so I’m taking the Rockets by 10 in this contest.

My Prediction: Rockets Win

Final Score: Houston 121, Utah 111

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