Utah Jazz 2017-18 Week 12 Outlook, Predictions

DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 30: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets looks on during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on December 30, 2017 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

1/5 Utah at Denver

7:00 pm MT – AT&T SportsNet/League Pass

Opponent record: 19-17

Season series: Jazz lead 2-1

This series has been an interesting one as the home team has won in each contest and, for the most part, in commanding fashion. Utah used a come-from-behind effort in the second half of the first game to topple the Nuggets, then a huge second half in the two teams’ second contest of the year to come out on top. In the most recent meeting in Denver, though, it was pretty much all Nuggets from the game’s onset as they easily beat the Jazz.

That’s pretty much been Utah’s theme on the road this season where they hold a pathetic 3-15 record. That’s a concerning trend that the Jazz have to figure out and fast. With a four-game road trip looming, they’ve got to find a way to bring energy on the road and play with the same amount of intensity regardless of what court they’re on.

Seven 2018 New Year’s resolutions for the Utah Jazz https://t.co/3zcOyEOlZM pic.twitter.com/2BCZFcu0GH
— The J-Notes (@TheJNotes) December 31, 2017

Unfortunately, I have a hard time believing they’ll be able to turn around their recent road woes in time for Friday’s contest, especially considering that the Nuggets have been playing quite well of late and are one of the best teams at home in the league where they own a 12-4 record.

As Utah has shown on two occasions, they’re more than capable of beating an inexperienced Denver team on a level playing field. However, away from Vivint Smart Home Arena, the Jazz’s powers seem to dissipate and I don’t believe that will leave them with enough juice to stop the Nuggets this week.

My Prediction: Nuggets Win

Final Score: Denver 121, Utah 109