The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz 2017-18 Week 17 Outlook, Predictions

By Jared Woodcox

SAN ANTONIO, TX - FEBRUARY 3: Derrick Favors #15 and Ricky Rubio #3 of the Utah Jazz celebrate a win against the San Antonio Spurs on February 3, 2018 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - FEBRUARY 3: Derrick Favors #15 and Ricky Rubio #3 of the Utah Jazz celebrate a win against the San Antonio Spurs on February 3, 2018 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – FEBRUARY 3: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves on February 3, 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – FEBRUARY 3: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves on February 3, 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2/5 Utah at New Orleans

6:00 pm MT – AT&T SportsNet/League Pass

Opponent record: 28-24

Season series: Series tied 1-1

Before looking at this first opponent of the week, let’s get one thing straight. If Utah plays as they did last week, they truly are capable of beating all four of these teams in Week 17. However, as fatigue sets in on a long trip, the tricky part is knowing which ones they’ll truly be able to come out on top in and in which ones they’ll ultimately falter.

The Pelicans haven’t looked great since losing Boogie, minus their win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday. However, with the likes of Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday leading the charge, they’ll be a tough out. They gave the Jazz all they could handle in the first two meetings in Salt Lake, as the first one required a 41-point explosion from Donovan Mitchell to earn the victory and in the second one, New Orleans was simply too much to handle.

I’m on the fence about my prediction on this one. With only Davis to worry about and not Cousins, the tandem of Rudy Gobert and Derrick Favors should be able to hold him in check. However, at the same time, there’s a part of me that feels like this win streak has already been too mind-blowing, has to come to an end at some point, and a road win against New Orleans could very well be that instance.

So while I might very well eat my words, I’m going to predict that Monday is when the Jazz finally slip up as their heavy travel catches up to them and the Pelicans play a determined game back on their home court knowing the potential playoff significance of the contest. Whichever team wins on Monday would take a series lead with one more contest remaining next month, which should be a huge motivator for both teams.

My Prediction: Pelicans Win

Final Score: New Orleans 101, Utah 98

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