The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz at Washington Wizards: Keys to sweeping season series

By Jared Woodcox

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - DECEMBER 4: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz goes to the basket against the Washington Wizards on December 4, 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 Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - DECEMBER 4: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz goes to the basket against the Washington Wizards on December 4, 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 Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – DECEMBER 4: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz goes to the basket against the Washington Wizards on December 4, 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 Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – DECEMBER 4: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz goes to the basket against the Washington Wizards on December 4, 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 Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Utah Jazz handily defeated the Washington Wizards the last time these two teams met, but they probably won’t have it as easy when they face off tonight.

Things were all good the last time the Utah Jazz and Washington Wizards met up as the home team Jazz earned their most lopsided victory of the season with a mind-blowing 116-69 beatdown of the Wizards. The Wizards have built a bit of a reputation of lacking focus against subpar teams this season and that was fully in effect during their most recent trip to Salt Lake.

However, considering how poorly the Jazz have played on the road and how formidable the Washington Wizards have looked of late after winning seven of their last ten including big wins over the Boston Celtics and Houston Rockets, tonight’s contest certainly figures to be more of a challenge.

Both teams will come in well-rested as Washington’s last game was on Saturday and Utah’s last game was on Sunday, so it will fun to see a couple of fresh teams do battle on the hardwood. However, regardless of how much time the Jazz have had to prepare for various opponents, they’ve really struggled to bring any energy into their away games, so unless they turn things around in a big way, tonight’s contest may be a bit troublesome for them.

Considering that Utah has only won three road games all season long, they certainly won’t be favored in a tough contest against a Wizards team that finds themselves in fifth place in the Eastern Conference. However, Washington has certainly had its inconsistencies this year, as they displayed in Utah about a month ago, so the Jazz definitely shouldn’t be counted out.

And if the Jazz can excel in these key areas, they may very well steal a tough road win to sweep the season series against the Wizards and finally get themselves back on track.

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