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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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – JANUARY 31: Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies gets introduced before the game against the Indiana Pacers on January 31, 2018 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – JANUARY 31: Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies gets introduced before the game against the Indiana Pacers on January 31, 2018 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2/7 Utah at Memphis

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

Opponent record: 18-33

Season series: Series tied 0-0

Things have gone from bad to worse for the Memphis Grizzlies this season. From losing Mike Conley for the season to the fallout surrounding former head coach Mike Fizdale to a team that has dropped out of playoff contention, it’s been a rough 2017-18. The Grizzlies have lost four of their last five contests and have struggled to find any semblance of consistency this year.

And the good news for the Jazz is that Memphis’ leading scorer this season, Tyreke Evans, has been shut down until after the trade deadline as the reeling Grizzlies aim to deal him. Evans has been one of the bright points of Memphis’ season, but given the fact that the Grizzlies are aiming to retool and that Tyreke will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, it makes sense that they would look to get something out of him.

The Jazz will still have to deal with Marc Gasol, who continues to play well despite lessened efficiency this season. However, with little else around him, I feel confident that the Jazz will be able to keep him and his Grizzlies teammates in check despite this game being on the road in the final contest of a long stint.

Utah has played well of late and are seemingly reversing their former road woes while Memphis has been absolutely struggling, so this is a contest I fully expect the Jazz to win.

My Prediction: Jazz Win

Final Score: Utah 112, Memphis 104

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