The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz vs. New Orleans Pelicans: Keys to building a win streak

By Jared Woodcox

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 27: Anthony Davis #23 and Jrue Holiday #11 of the New Orleans Pelicans before the game against the Brooklyn Nets on December 27, 2017 at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 27: Anthony Davis #23 and Jrue Holiday #11 of the New Orleans Pelicans before the game against the Brooklyn Nets on December 27, 2017 at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images) /
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at the United Center on December 13, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Jazz 103-100. 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 Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
at the United Center on December 13, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Jazz 103-100. 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 Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Prediction – Jazz 108, Pelicans 101

It seems like forever since the Jazz have won consecutive games and doing so is going to be far from an easy task, especially considering how up and down they’ve been this year. However, given that that they’ll be well-rested, have played exceptionally well at home this season and should have high confidence going into this game after recently defeating the Cavs and having beaten New Orleans earlier in the year, I like Utah’s chances.

In fact, while it will likely be a close contest much like last time, I’m pinning the Jazz to take care of business once again and find a way to defeat the Pelicans. A lot will have to go Utah’s way and they’ll have to be prepared to slow both Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins, but if they do that as well as excel in the other key areas I’ve indicated, they should be in very good shape.

Next: Utah Jazz-NOLA opponent perspective: Give back the Jazz name!

And a win on Wednesday will be critically important as the Jazz will then head out on a four-game road trip immediately afterwards. The road stint isn’t nearly as tough as some of the stretches Utah faced last month, but considering that they’re just 3-15 on the road, any opponent away from home has seemingly presented a great challenge.

Therefore, ideally the Jazz will come out with yet another confidence-raising win over the Pelicans that will translate over to their road trip and help springboard them into a successful January that helps counterbalance their December struggles. Wednesday’s contest against the Pelicans is certainly winnable and precisely the kind of game the Jazz have to start taking advantage of moving forward if the playoffs are to truly remain within reach.

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