The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz vs. Houston Rockets: Keys to snapping Clutch City’s streak

By Jared Woodcox

HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 18: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz share a moment after the game between the two teams on December 18, 2017 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 18: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz share a moment after the game between the two teams on December 18, 2017 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – FEBRUARY 25: James Harden #13 and Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets celebrate during a timeout against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on February 25, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Justin Tafoya/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – FEBRUARY 25: James Harden #13 and Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets celebrate during a timeout against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on February 25, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Justin Tafoya/Getty Images) /

Prediction – Rockets 118, Jazz 107

I alluded several times to the fact that defeating the Rockets is going to be easier said than done. Unfortunately, I’m predicting a lot more saying than doing.

Although catching them on the back end of a back-to-back could provide a helpful boost for the Jazz, I still don’t know that they’ll have the firepower to take down this red hot Houston team. If the Jazz were catching them during the height of their recent win streak, I’d be feeling a bit more optimistic, but after seeing the Jazz struggle during their two games following the break, I’m worried about their chances.

Utah appeared to have reverted back to some old ways and perhaps no player has been more of a culprit than Ricky Rubio whose two games back from the hip injury have been less than inspiring, much like his play for much of the season prior to the win streak. Barring a huge bounce-back game from him and perfect execution in each of the three key areas I’ve mentioned, I have a hard time seeing the Jazz coming out on top tonight.

Next: Utah Jazz 2017-18 Week 20 Outlook, Predictions

But they’ve certainly proved me wrong before and are capable of doing so again. It wasn’t long at all that the Jazz were the hottest team in the league themselves and they’re certainly determined to recapture a similarly incredible winning streak and fight their way into the playoffs. If they can get that energy and focus back, they may very well pull of yet another upset win.

The Jazz and Rockets tip-off this evening at 7:00 PM MT.

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