Utah Jazz 2017-18 Week 10 Outlook, Predictions

NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 16: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts from the bench in the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks during their game at Madison Square Garden on December 16, 2017 in New York City. 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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images)

12/20 Utah at Oklahoma City

6:00 pm MT – AT&T SportsNet/League Pass

Opponent record: 14-15

Season series: Tied 1-1

Utah’s most recent loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder was perhaps one of the most discouraging of the season. The Jazz led nearly the entire way and were up by as many as 17 in the second half in a game where they looked far and above the superior team. However, the Jazz choked big time down the stretch and allowed the Thunder to come storming back and steal the win in the waning minutes.

Some thought that perhaps the victory would be a turning point for the Thunder as, to their credit, their defense looked incredible down the stretch of that game and overall they seemed to play with more cohesion. However, since that game they’ve still remained as confusing as a squad as ever as this star-studded team continues to struggle to put the pieces together.

Since beating the Jazz, they’ve fallen to the Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets and New York Knicks, none of which are anything to write home about, while barely defeating the Memphis Grizzlies, Indiana Pacers and Philadelphia 76ers. With that all being the case, the Thunder continue to look extremely beatable. Therefore, despite Utah’s considerable woes on the road, considering that they’ve outplayed the Thunder for seven of eight quarters so far this season, they may very well have a decent chance in this one.

#Thunder forward Paul George believes it's NOT time to panic in OKC #ThunderUp https://t.co/cdNaVJfQsT
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 12, 2017

And though I might end up kicking myself for making this prediction, I’m going to go ahead and pin the Jazz as coming out on top in this contest. OKC’s Big 3 has been less than daunting as their shooting struggles continue, so if Utah can continue to force them into rough nights and contain Steven Adams (who quite frankly was the one who punished the Jazz the most last game), then I like their chances.

Utah has just a 3-11 record on the road so far this season, but their win over the Celtics in an extremely hostile environment has me feeling a little more optimistic about their ability to turn things around when playing away games. Combine that with OKC’s struggles overall and I think the Jazz will put the pieces together enough to slow a Thunder team that simply has not been able to develop any semblance of chemistry.

My Prediction: Jazz Win

Final Score: Utah 104, Oklahoma City 98