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

By Jared Woodcox

PHOENIX, AZ - FEBRUARY 2: The Utah Jazz celebrate a victory over the Phoenix Suns on February 2, 2018 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - FEBRUARY 2: The Utah Jazz celebrate a victory over the Phoenix Suns on February 2, 2018 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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PHOENIX, AZ – FEBRUARY 2: The Utah Jazz celebrate a victory over the Phoenix Suns on February 2, 2018 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ – FEBRUARY 2: The Utah Jazz celebrate a victory over the Phoenix Suns on February 2, 2018 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Utah Jazz will look to keep their impressive win streak alive and well in the final week of action before the NBA All-Star Break.

The Utah Jazz just keep on playing sensational basketball! After yet another perfect week, the Jazz have now won nine straight, have fought their way back to .500 at 28-28 and show no signs of slowing down.

Last week featured road wins over the New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis Grizzlies, a home win against the Charlotte Hornets, then finally a big win last night in Portland in Jae Crowder’s Jazz debut. All four contests featured different players stepping up in big ways as Utah continues to be the hottest team in the NBA.

I figured the Jazz would begin to stumble somewhat last week and had projected them to go 2-2. Boy, was I wrong. Their stellar performances resulted in them finally surpassing my projection record which now stands at a mediocre 26-30. After passing me, it shouldn’t be long until they also surpass some of their fellow Western Conference rivals that currently find themselves ever so slightly ahead of Utah in the standings.

For better or for worse, the Jazz are getting hot just in time for the All-Star Break. They are in for a short two-game stint in Week 18, then will enjoy a number of days off as their next game comes at home against the Portland Trail Blazers once again on February 23.

They’ll begin the week tonight at home against the San Antonio Spurs, who they beat earlier during this win streak. The Spurs are usually a daunting foe, but the Jazz are currently 2-0 against them on the season and San Antonio will be mightily shorthanded for the bout in Salt Lake City tonight.

Then on Wednesday, the Jazz will go on to play the hapless Phoenix Suns – another team they beat previously in the win streak – within the friendly confines of Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz have been on the road a lot lately, so it will be nice for them to enjoy these two games before the All-Star break, then a four-game home stand after it.

Since there’s only two games this week, I’ll also take a stab at predicting each of the major All-Star Weekend events to wrap up this week’s preview. Without further ado, let’s get into what exactly lies ahead for the Utah Jazz!

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