The J-Notes
Fansided

Utah Jazz 2017-18 Week 15 Outlook, Predictions

By Jared Woodcox

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JANUARY 20: The Utah Jazz celebrate during the game against the LA Clippers on January 20, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JANUARY 20: The Utah Jazz celebrate during the game against the LA Clippers on January 20, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 17: Kent Bazemore #24 and Dennis Schroder #17 of the Atlanta Hawks talks to the media after the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on January 17, 2018 at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 17: Kent Bazemore #24 and Dennis Schroder #17 of the Atlanta Hawks talks to the media after the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on January 17, 2018 at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1/22 Utah at Atlanta

5:30 pm MT – AT&T SportsNet/League Pass

Opponent record: 13-32

Season series: Tied 0-0

In a vacuum, the Utah Jazz should defeat this season’s Atlanta Hawks every time they play them. The Hawks are without a doubt in the midst of a rebuild and their 13-32 record is perfectly indicative of the kind of lackluster overall talent and depth they boast this season. However, the biggest concerns I have about this contest are that it’s on the road, where Utah is a horrible 5-18 this season, and that the Jazz haven’t logged consecutive wins since early December.

For nearly two months, the Jazz have followed up victories with a lackluster effort. Last week’s loss to a very beatable Knicks team after handily defeating the Kings is a perfect example. Hopefully it’s a trend that Utah can overcome, because regardless of road woes or inconsistency, there’s no excuse for a talented Jazz team to lose to the Hawks.

The Hawks are led by point guard Dennis Schroder who many thought would be their future at the position. However, despite leading the team with 20 points per game, he’s actually had a very disappointing season. He’s shooting just 44.1 percent from the field and an awful 30.2 percent from deep, while also turning the ball over 2.6 times per game.

Atlanta has some other promising guys such as Kent Bazemore, Taurean Prince and rookie John Collins, but overall, they aren’t a squad that’s striking fear into any team’s hearts. If Joe Ingles can find his shot as he did against LA last night, Rudy Gobert can continue to be a force and Donovan Mitchell can have one of his special nights while outmatching Schroder, this should turn into a nice road win for the Jazz, much like the one they pulled off in Sacramento last week.

My Prediction: Jazz Win

Final Score: Utah 118, Atlanta 103

Home/Jazz News