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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MIAMI, FL – MARCH 5: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns gets introduced before the game against the Miami Heat on March 5, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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 Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – MARCH 5: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns gets introduced before the game against the Miami Heat on March 5, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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 Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3/15 Utah vs. Phoenix

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

Opponent record: 19-49

Season series: Jazz lead 2-1

Although the Detroit Pistons are the most talented team that the Jazz will face this week, I’ve got to say that I believe the Phoenix Suns are the most dangerous. The Jazz have had some issues with them before, with a prior loss to them on the season and a closer than ideal contest back in mid-February.

Not to mention, this team has little, if anything, to lose as they’re among the league’s primary tankers. While one might think that would make this an easy win, it can also create a trap game of sorts on certain occasions where the bad team’s desperation comes through for them.

Beyond all that, though, the Suns play with a kind of reckless abandon that makes me nervous not only about the possibility of the Jazz coming up short, but more about a stupid play resulting in a Jazz injury. We’ve seen this on a couple occasions over recent seasons, most notably the T.J. Warren body check on Dante Exum and the Alex Len hit on George Hill that sent his teeth through his lip.

One could say those were mere accidents or coincidences, but it feels like every time the Jazz play the Suns, I hold my breath. The young guns that are likely fed up with losing and playing for a struggling organization are often loose cannons and play somewhat out of control.

Especially if Utah can contain the Suns’ leading scorer Devin Booker, which they’ve done a relatively good job of in all three meetings this year, then they should quite easily be able to outmatch Phoenix from a talent and depth standpoint. Still, Utah needs to play with energy and find a way to match the chippy nature of the Suns without losing their cool.

Doing so should earn them a win, but more importantly, hopefully they’ll emerge from the game unscathed. Based on Phoenix’s play of late that has seen them lose five straight and nine of ten, this contest should be smooth sailing for the Jazz as long as no unforeseen setbacks occur.

My Prediction: Jazz Win

Final Score: Utah 115, Phoenix 102

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