12/21 Utah vs. San Antonio
8:30 pm MT – TNT
Opponent record: 20-10
Season series: Tied 0-0
Man, it’s going to feel so good having the Utah Jazz back at home for this contest! After a lengthy road trip that has kept the Jazz out of Vivint Smart Home Arena since December 7th, it will be a great morale booster for them to finally take the court in front of their home crowd where they currently hold an 11-5 record on the year.
Unfortunately, the game comes on somewhat less than favorable circumstances as it will be on the second night of a back-to-back against the ever-dangerous San Antonio Spurs. Luckily, it will be a back-to-back for the Spurs as well who will be travelling into Salt Lake from Portland, but considering that for Utah this is the first game after a grueling six-game road trip, the situation doesn’t exactly bode well.
However, the Spurs have had some ups and downs of late, so hopefully the Jazz will be able to catch them in a bit of a downswing. Although he played limited minutes, San Antonio dropped both games in which Kawhi Leonard returned to action, then narrowly defeated the Mavs on Saturday in a game which neither Kawhi nor Tony Parker played.
This Just In: Gregg Popovich confirmed Kawhi Leonard will return to the lineup for Tuesday's game on a minutes restriction. pic.twitter.com/30dG5YG2PL
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 12, 2017
They’ve had their fair share of injury woes over the course of the season and as they look to work Leonard back into the rotation, they may experience some setbacks. If the Jazz get lucky, they may very well be catching the Spurs at just the right time and therefore be able to steal a big win back on their home court.
I really could see that happening and like Utah’s chances more in this game than I have at other times against San Antonio, but I still don’t feel comfortable pinning them to come out on top. The Spurs certainly have some kinks to work out, but considering that the first home game after a long road trip is usually quite a bit of an adjustment, particularly on the second night of a back-to-back, I could see this becoming a “schedule loss” for the Jazz.
Not to mention, even when they’re facing some difficulties, a contest against the Spurs and mastermind head coach Gregg Popovich is never easy, so it’s going to be tough for the Jazz to come out on top. I foresee this being a close one, but that San Antonio will eventually pull away for the win.
My Prediction: Spurs Win
Final Score: San Antonio 98, Utah 91