The J-Notes
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 31: Dwight Howard #12 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts with Kemba Walker #15 after drawing a foul on his dunk over Mike Muscala #31 of the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on January 31, 2018 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. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 31: Dwight Howard #12 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts with Kemba Walker #15 after drawing a foul on his dunk over Mike Muscala #31 of the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on January 31, 2018 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. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

2/9 Utah vs. Charlotte

7:00 pm MT – AT&T SportsNet/League Pass

Opponent record: 22-29

Season series: Hornets lead 1-0

This contest is an interesting one to predict considering that it’s the first game after the trade deadline and one or both teams could very well look significantly different as both have been presumed to be active leading up to the deadline. Throwing that to one side, though, since it’s anyone’s guess as to what will happen in regards to trades, this will be a challenging contest for the Jazz.

The Charlotte Hornets have been a tough match-up for Utah especially as Kemba Walker has simply had his way with them. Such was exactly the case in the two teams’ previous meeting as the Hornets stifled the Jazz in a low-scoring 11-point victory which saw Walker finish with 22 points thanks to some big shots which seemed to halt every attempted Jazz run.

And even though the Hornets have a subpar record, they’ve played somewhat better of late with recent big wins over the likes of the Indiana Pacers, Detroit Pistons and Washington Wizards. Figure all that together, and even though the Jazz hold the better record and will be playing on their home court, by no means is this contest a “gimme”.

Nevertheless, if Utah’s recent play is any indication and if they can bring the energy and discipline that they’ve displayed of late into Friday’s game, I think they’ll be able to topple this Hornets team, despite some past struggles. Not to mention, the Hornets are just 7-15 on the road (which thanks to Utah’s latest spurt is now worse than the Jazz’s road record!) and Vivint Smart Home Arena isn’t exactly an easy place to win.

Plus besides, the Jazz will be donning their city uniforms once again, which apparently gave them magic powers last time around. So I’m thinking this one will be smooth sailing for the Jazz in an exciting home bout.

My Prediction: Jazz Win

Final Score: Utah 118, Charlotte 92

Home/Jazz News