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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MILWAUKEE, WI – DECEMBER 02: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots a free throw during the first half of a game against the Sacramento Kings at the Bradley Center on December 2, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI – DECEMBER 02: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots a free throw during the first half of a game against the Sacramento Kings at the Bradley Center on December 2, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

12/9 Utah at Milwaukee

6:30 pm MT – NBATV

Opponent record: 12-9

Season series: Jazz lead 1-0

The Utah Jazz played the Milwaukee Bucks just over a week ago and looked incredible as they rolled to a 121-108 victory. That marks two years in a row now that the Jazz have looked phenomenal against Milwaukee and a victory on Saturday would solidify that dominance even further.

The recent loss to the Jazz aside, though, the Milwaukee Bucks have been playing quite well as they’ve won four of five and seven of ten to elevate themselves all the way up to sixth in the Eastern Conference with their 12-9 record. Not to mention, this game will take place on the road where the Jazz haven’t exactly thrived this year at just 2-7.

And while the Jazz have slowed Giannis Antetokounmpo relatively well in recent bouts, he’s still one of the league’s rising superstars and is more than capable of going off at any moment. Thus, this game certainly can’t be overlooked despite Utah’s recent success against the Bucks.

Even so, I like Utah’s chances. They’ll need to put together a complete game to beat such a good team on the road much like they did against the Orlando Magic a couple weeks back if they hope to win. But as long as they come out with energy and perform similarly to how they did in the first meeting against Milwaukee, I’m feeling confident that the Jazz will come out on top.

My Prediction: Jazz Win

Final Score: Utah 110, Milwaukee 103

Next: Utah Jazz: 2017-18 Northwest Division Comparison – December

Thus, I’m predicting two wins and two losses for the Jazz this week, with each win coming against their Eastern Conference foes and the losses coming to their cohorts in the West. However, they exceeded my expectations last week and it wouldn’t surprise me all that much to see them do it again.

The game against the Thunder could certainly turn out to be a win and although Houston is incredible, Utah’s style bothered them last year, so perhaps Quin Snyder and Co. can break them this year as well. But even if the Jazz go just 2-2 as I’ve predicted that would still keep them above .500 and in good shape for the rest of the month.

There’s undoubtedly going to be some losses with so many tough games in December, but if Utah can lessen the damage as much as possible and just continually log weeks of at least .500, then they could come out of this rough stretch significantly better off than several Jazz fans originally predicted.

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