Utah Jazz 2017-18 Week 24 Outlook, Predictions

4/1 Utah at Minnesota

5:00 pm MT – AT&T SportsNet/League Pass

Opponent record: 42-33

Season series: Timberwolves lead 2-1

Since losing Jimmy Butler to injury, the Minnesota Timberwolves have had their fair share of struggles. They’ve gone just 6-7 during that stretch, and while they’ve played some tough foes in those 13 games, their most recent loss to the Memphis Grizzlies was a perfect example of how lost they have appeared at times without their best player.

One of the losses during that span was to the Utah Jazz themselves as they pulled out a hard-fought 116-108 victory that was far from pretty at times. Not only was Karl-Anthony Towns ejected from the game after receiving a pair of technical fouls and Jeff Teague later tossed for an absolute cheap shot on Ricky Rubio, but the Jazz shot just 31 percent from deep while allowing the Wolves to shoot 52.9 percent and Utah also gave up 18 turnovers.

They let the Timberwolves hang around all game long and very well may have lost had Towns and Teague stayed in the game. Luckily, Utah dominated the glass, specifically on the offensive end with an 11-2 edge, and were able to come out on top.

However, Minnesota’s backcourt of Jeff Teague and Andrew Wiggins was absolutely a problem in that game. Teague put up 25 points on 9-of-15 shooting from the field and an astounding 5-of-8 from deep while Wiggins managed 27 points on 10-of-19 shooting. If those guys have a repeat performance and Towns has even an average game, it’s quite likely that the Jazz will fall on the road to the Wolves.

That could very well happen and I’m hesitant to let my optimism, which is known for jinxing the Jazz, have too much run here. Nevertheless, I’m feeling good about Utah’s chances. Minnesota’s starters have been run ragged by head coach Tom Thibodeau and especially without Jimmy Butler in action, their defense has suffered even more than usual while their bench has had a continued minimal impact.

Utah’s defense, meanwhile, should hypothetically be up to the task of stopping the Timberwolves, despite the solid players they boast in the likes of Towns, Wiggins and Teague, to name a few. If it is, then I project that the Wolves’ lackluster D will allow the Jazz to find their shot and they’ll in turn find a way to arise victorious in an extremely important bout.

The Jazz will know what’s at stake going into this contest and I expect them to play accordingly. They certainly have the momentum advantage over a struggling Minnesota team that has dropped to eighth place in the West, so if they can capitalize on that and take energy and focus with them on the road, it will help to increase their chances significantly.

My Prediction: Jazz Win

Final Score: Utah 105, Minnesota 98

Next: Utah Jazz: Ranking Utah’s potential playoff matchups

So, there you have it, Jazz fans. I’ve got Utah going a perfect 3-0 this week. We all know what tends to happen when I get overly excited about the Jazz, but hopefully my curse won’t come to fruition this time around. Honestly, the games against Boston and Minnesota present a particular challenge and I could easily see Utah dropping either of those if they aren’t careful and if they don’t play focused.

Nevertheless, they’ve been playing exceptional ball of late, and should enjoy some favorable matchups in each of these contests be it due to opponent injuries (i.e. Irving and Butler) or lack of talent (such as is the case with the Grizzlies). Thus, while it will certainly be a challenge, an undefeated Week 24 is entirely possible as the Jazz aim to continue their playoff push.