The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz 2017-18 Week 22 Outlook, Predictions

By Jared Woodcox

NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 11: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz reacts during the first half against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on March 11, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 11: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz reacts during the first half against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on March 11, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – MARCH 11: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz reacts during the first half against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on March 11, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – MARCH 11: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz reacts during the first half against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on March 11, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

The Utah Jazz have an excellent chance to extend their current winning streak to nine games as they’ll face a trio of lackluster opponents in Week 22 of NBA action.

The Utah Jazz are rolling once again. After going just 1-2 in the first three games after the All-Star break, they’ve bounced back in a big way with six straight wins including a huge victory with playoff implications over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday.

Last week, I incorrectly picked Utah to lose to the Indiana Pacers, but I managed to get each of the other three games right, putting my season-long predictions record at 35-32. The Jazz certainly outdid me, though, by posting a perfect 4-0 week that saw their record climb to an impressive 37-30.

Alas, even after all that, which has included 18 wins in their last 20 games, the Jazz somehow still find themselves in 10th place in the West. But that margin continues to shrink significantly as Utah is now tied for eighth place with both the Denver Nuggets and LA Clippers (LA has a better record by mere percentage points, but all three teams are tied in terms of games back).

And considering that Utah’s remaining schedule is much easier than that of the teams directly ahead of them in the standings, I like their chances of finally solidifying a spot in the top eight by the end of the week, and especially by the end of the month.

Part of that easy stretch begins this week as Utah will play a trio of games at home, first on Tuesday against the under-performing Detroit Pistons, then against the lottery-bound Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings on Thursday and Saturday, respectively.

Considering the caliber of opponents Utah will be facing within the friendly confines of Vivint Smart Home Arena this week, they have an excellent opportunity to extend their winning streak to nine games. Nevertheless, nothing can be taken for granted in the NBA, and so the Jazz will need to bring their A-game in each of those contests.

With that being said, let’s take a closer look at what lies ahead and how the Jazz ought to fare in Week 22 of the 2017-18 NBA season.

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