Utah Jazz 2017-18 Week 18 Outlook, Predictions

PHOENIX, AZ – FEBRUARY 10: Elfrid Payton #2 of the Phoenix Suns shoots the ball before game against the Denver Nuggets on February 10, 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 Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)

2/14 Utah vs. Phoenix

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

Opponent record: 18-39

Season series: Tied 1-1

Although the Jazz were surprisingly embarrassed by the Phoenix Suns in the two teams’ first meeting in late October, Utah righted the ship in a big way the last time they faced them as they earned a commanding 129-97 victory as part of their current nine-game win streak. The Suns have continued to be one of the worst teams in the league and may be fully embracing the tank as Devin Booker, Tyler Ulis and Tyson Chandler all sat out last night’s contest against the Denver Nuggets.

Newly acquired Elfrid Payton made his Suns debut in the contest and actually played quite well, but Phoenix still fell to Denver by double digits. Phoenix is just 9-18 on the road and in the midst of a five-game losing streak that’s likely to extend when they visit the Golden State Warriors tonight.

.@Elfrid's Suns Debut:
19 Points
9 Assists
6 Rebounds
61.5% Shooting

We break down his performance! 👇https://t.co/JywvH8PDgD
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) February 11, 2018

Without question, the Jazz match up extremely well against the middling Suns and even if Utah hadn’t been playing so great of late, I’d likely pin them as winners in this contest. Figure in that the Jazz are red hot while the Suns are slumping and may not be healthy, and I see no reason why the Jazz shouldn’t come out on top in a big way in their final contest before the All-Star Break.

My Prediction: Jazz Win

Final Score: Utah 120, Phoenix 102