The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz at Charlotte Hornets: Keys to closing road trip on a high note

By Jared Woodcox

SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 2: Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets gets introduced into the starting lineup against the Sacramento Kings on January 2, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 2: Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets gets introduced into the starting lineup against the Sacramento Kings on January 2, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 29: Frank Kaminsky #44 and Dwight Howard #12 of the Charlotte Hornets celebrate a basket against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on December 29, 2017 in Oakland, California. 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 29: Frank Kaminsky #44 and Dwight Howard #12 of the Charlotte Hornets celebrate a basket against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on December 29, 2017 in Oakland, California. 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Prediction – Hornets 98, Jazz 95

Quite frankly, this game could go either way. I like Utah’s chances on a level playing field, but considering how bad they’ve been on the road and how much they’ve struggled with Kemba in the past and several point guards this season, I’m a bit nervous about this contest. If the Jazz play like they did in Washington, they very likely will come out on top. However, if they revert back to their performances in Denver, Kemba and the Hornets will walk all over them.

Therefore, as much as I’d like to pin the Jazz as winners tonight, I’m instead going to stick with the “reverse-jinx” hypothesis that I mentioned in my recent week preview piece in which I picked Charlotte to win in a three-point thriller. While I wouldn’t be surprised if Utah made me eat my words and arose victorious, the fact that they’ve failed to win consecutive road games for over a month makes me feel less than confident.

Next: Utah Jazz: Royce O’Neale proving worthy of extended minutes

However, if Utah wants to truly bounce back and get back on track for playoff qualification, tonight’s game will be a big one as will be the following stretch. The Utah Jazz will tip-off against Charlotte tonight at 5:00 PM MT before heading home where they’ll play three of their next four contests.

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