The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz 2017-18 Week 13 Outlook, Predictions

By Jared Woodcox

MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 7: The Utah Jazz celebrates during the game against the Miami Heat on January 7, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 7: The Utah Jazz celebrates during the game against the Miami Heat on January 7, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 6: John Wall #2 and Markieff Morris #5 of the Washington Wizards celebrate in the first half against the Milwaukee Bucks at Capital One Arena on January 6, 2018 in Washington, DC. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 6: John Wall #2 and Markieff Morris #5 of the Washington Wizards celebrate in the first half against the Milwaukee Bucks at Capital One Arena on January 6, 2018 in Washington, DC. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

1/10 Utah at Washington

5:00 pm MT – AT&T SportsNet/League Pass

Opponent record: 23-17

Season series: Jazz lead 1-0

Despite some weird ups and downs for the Washington Wizards this season in which they’ve played quite well against top teams, but have often lost focus against lesser opponents, it appears that they’re slowly but surely starting to figure things out. They’ve won seven of their last 10 games to burst all the way to fourth place in the Eastern Conference. They recently notched impressive wins over the Boston Celtics and Houston Rockets and certainly are a foe to be reckoned with.

However, it was all smooth sailing for the Jazz the last time they squared off against the Wizards. In probably the most surprising performance of the season, Utah won an incredibly lopsided 116-69 contest over Washington, who apparently forgot to show up. Unfortunately, a lot has changed for the Jazz since that win. Not only are they now without Rudy Gobert, but they’ve also lost 13 of their last 16 since then and have looked absolutely lost in many of their match-ups.

Therefore, especially considering that the Jazz will be matched up against a tough backcourt duo of John Wall and Bradley Beal, I have a hard time imagining that this contest at the Verizon Center will be where they turn the corner in their struggles on the road. Despite how well the Jazz looked against Washington earlier in the year and dating back to last season, this Utah team simply hasn’t done anything to instill confidence in their ability to compete against top teams, particularly outside of Vivint Smart Home Arena.

In short, as much as it pains me to say it, unless the Wizards slip back into their unfocused ways against subpar teams, it’s quite likely that Utah will come up short against a surging Washington squad.

My Prediction: Wizards Win

Final Score: Washington 114, Utah 107

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