The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz vs. Toronto Raptors: Keys to a preseason victory

By Jared Woodcox

TORONTO, CANADA - JANUARY 26: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors passes the ball against the Utah Jazz on January 26, 2018 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - JANUARY 26: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors passes the ball against the Utah Jazz on January 26, 2018 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – SEPTEMBER 28: the Utah Jazz celebrate off the bench during the meet the team event at vivint.SmartHome Arena on September 28, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) Utah Jazz
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – SEPTEMBER 28: the Utah Jazz celebrate off the bench during the meet the team event at vivint.SmartHome Arena on September 28, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) Utah Jazz /

Prediction – Jazz 103, Raptors 97

Just as I predicted in my recent preseason outlook piece, I’m going with the Utah Jazz to come out on top in this bout against a talented Raptors squad. Although I suspect it will be a lot closer than the battle against the Perth Wildcats, I think the Jazz have several edges that will help them come out on top.

First and foremost is home court advantage. Salt Lake City is no easy place to play, and despite this being a preseason bout, I suspect the Jazz faithful will come out in droves to support their team and enjoy the chance to see Kawhi Leonard an extra time at Vivint Smart Home Arena.

Not only that, but the Jazz kept their squad together this season with the sole intention of maintaining continuity. The resulting cohesion and chemistry were in full display in Utah’s win over Perth, albeit against a less than daunting opponent.

And I think it will absolutely play a part on Tuesday night. While the Raptors continue to aim to get accustomed to Kawhi instead of the guy he replaced, DeMar DeRozan, the Jazz will simply be ready to take it to them. That’s why I’m pinning the Jazz as six-point winners.

Next. Utah Jazz alums: Gordon Hayward struggling to find his shot thus far. dark

Of course, preseason is always somewhat tough to predict as teams experiment with varying rotations and minutes, often limiting the amount of time that their best players are on the court. That could provide us with a nice look at two teams with exceptional depth on their bench.

Even so, I’m still confident that home court advantage will elevate Utah to a nice preseason win over a team that could be competing for one of the best records in the league in 2018-19.

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