The Utah Jazz will look to win their 6th game in a row as they volley for playoff position against the New Orleans Pelicans in a pivotal Western Conference matchup.
After a long, uphill battle, the Utah Jazz have finally moved into a three-way tie for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. They also happen to have the easiest remaining schedule when compared to the teams ahead of them.
Whether or not the remaining schedule is easy or hard for the Jazz, they will need to take care of business if they are going to make the playoffs. That means they have to win the clearly winnable games on their schedule.
Just a few days ago, the matchup versus the New Orleans Pelicans loomed large. Anthony Davis was finishing up a February in which he averaged 35.9 points, 12.8 rebounds, 2.6 steals and 2.4 blocks. They went 9-3 in February, and would go on to win 10 straight. Then Anthony Davis injured his ankle against the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday, and now the matchup looks like an expected win for the Jazz.
Anthony Davis injury: MOI is plantarflexion & inversion most likely spraining his anterior talofibular ligament "ankle sprain". MRI will determine severity & if other complications. Controlling swelling is number 1 priority right now. #Pelicans https://t.co/9X01gN5k3Q
— #ReiffReport (@ReiffReport) March 8, 2018
The game will be on the road in New Orleans and they will have something to fight for, but on paper, this is a game that the Jazz should easily win if the Pels are going to be without Anthony Davis. There are three things the Jazz will have to do if they are going to extend their road win streak to 11 games.