The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz vs. LA Clippers: Keys to a much-needed home win

By Jared Woodcox

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 30: Austin Rivers #25 of the LA Clippers drives to the basket against the Utah Jazz on November 30, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 30: Austin Rivers #25 of the LA Clippers drives to the basket against the Utah Jazz on November 30, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 17: The LA Clippers celebrate against the Denver Nuggets on January 17, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 17: The LA Clippers celebrate against the Denver Nuggets on January 17, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Prediction – Clippers 118, Jazz 106

As if it wasn’t already brutally clear, last night’s loss to the Knicks served as an unpleasant reminder that the Jazz are in a bad spot right now. The defeats continue to stack up and Utah’s playoff hopes are all but disappearing. Therefore, while I’d like to see them turn things around with a big win over the Clippers, I just don’t see it happening.

LA has been too hot while the Jazz have been too downright cold. Unless we get a monster night from the likes of Donovan Mitchell or Rodney Hood, this game will probably be out of reach. Therefore, I’m predicting a double-figure loss for the Jazz.

Next: Utah Jazz-New York Knicks: Rudy looks good, Jazz look bad

There’s a very good chance that in just under three weeks, this Jazz team could look entirely different as they’ve been mentioned several times as a potentially major player at the NBA trade deadline. Between rumors regarding Derrick Favors, Joe Johnson and especially Rodney Hood of late, the team could be in for a major shakeup.

Perhaps whatever changes are made there could help put a spring back in Utah’s step and allow them to push for the playoffs. However, with a tough contest tonight and a brutal stretch in the coming weeks that includes match-ups against the Toronto Raptors, Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs, I have a hard time seeing that happen.

At least we can find excitement in watching Donovan Mitchell continue to blossom and perhaps some new and beneficial pieces joining the Jazz ranks in the coming weeks, because depending on how tonight and the next few weeks go, that might be all we have left to hold on to for the 2017-18 season.

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