The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz-Pelicans: Keys to winning the series matchup against the Pels

By John Keeffer

Utah Jazz v Indiana PacersINDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 07: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz is seen during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 7, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Utah Jazz v Indiana PacersINDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 07: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz is seen during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 7, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. /
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MEMPHIS, TN – MARCH 9: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz goes to the basket against the Memphis Grizzlies on March 9, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee.
MEMPHIS, TN – MARCH 9: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz goes to the basket against the Memphis Grizzlies on March 9, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. /

Dominate the pain on both ends of the floor

With a healthy Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert, most nights the Utah Jazz are going to have the edge down low. With Cousins already out for the season and Anthony Davis likely out for the game on Sunday afternoon, the Jazz are going to have the clear advantage in the paint, and they need to take advantage.

Gobert has been especially dominant during this recent stretch in March. Prior to the matchup against Memphis, Gobert was averaging 21.5 points, 15 rebounds, 2.5 blocks, and 1.5 steals.

Both Gobert and Favors have been equally dominant, if not more so, on the defensive side of the ball. Being able to play Favors as the primary backup center, has allowed for 48 minutes of effective paint protection.

This needs to be a game where Gobert and Favors make their presence felt from the starting tip. The Pelicans’ starting bigs are likely going to be Emeka Okafor and Nikola Mirotic. As long as the Jazz can win the matchup on the interior, I expect them to come out on top.

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