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Utah Jazz at Oklahoma City Thunder: Keys to close out the road trip with a win

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 21: Ricky Rubio #3 of the Utah Jazz and Alex Abrines #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder talk after the game on October 21, 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 David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 21: Ricky Rubio #3 of the Utah Jazz and Alex Abrines #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder talk after the game on October 21, 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 David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – DECEMBER 5: The Oklahoma City Thunder stand on the court for the National Anthem before the game against the Utah Jazz on December 5, 2017 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – DECEMBER 5: The Oklahoma City Thunder stand on the court for the National Anthem before the game against the Utah Jazz on December 5, 2017 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)

Prediction Jazz 104, Thunder 98

I’m feeling less than confident in my prediction, but since I pinned the Jazz as winners earlier in the week, I’m going to stick with my gut. Although moral victories don’t count for much, the Utah Jazz did just compete with arguably the two best teams in their respective conferences by matching wits with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Houston Rockets for over three quarters in consecutive games. Those performances also came after a stunning road win over the Boston Celtics.

Therefore, those trio of games would seem to indicate that the Jazz are getting more competitive on the road, an area which has been a major struggle for them as evidenced by their 3-12 road record. With that being the case and considering OKC’s recent inconsistent play, I’m feeling optimistic that this Jazz team will come out with a chip on their shoulder and a determination to end their difficult road trip on a high note resulting in a much-needed win.

It certainly won’t be easy considering that the Thunder have been a good home team and should have confidence against the Jazz coming into this game, but take away one sloppy quarter and the Jazz have absolutely dominated OKC this season, so I truly believe that trend can continue. If Favors does indeed play, I’ll feel significantly better about my prediction. However, if he’s out of commission once again, then I will start to doubt Utah’s chances.

Even with he and Rudy Gobert in action the last time these two squads faced off, Adams was able to get the best of the Jazz, so if they’re even thinner in the paint, stopping him and his Thunder team as a whole will be even more difficult.

Next: Utah Jazz react: Gordon, CP3 and Capela crush in the clutch

Utah will tip-off against OKC at 6:00 PM MT on Wednesday before finally ending their road trip and heading home the following night.

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