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.
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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.