Utah Jazz 2018-19 Week Two Outlook: Jazz prep to hit the road

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HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 17: Chris Paul #3 and James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets stand for the National Anthem during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans on October 17, 2018 at Toyota Center, in Houston, Texas. 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 Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images) /

10/24 Utah at Houston

6:00 pm MT – AT&T SportsNet/League Pass

Opponent record: 0-1

Season series: Tied 0-0

Although the Houston Rockets were the best regular season team last season, they looked far from it in their season opener as they were thoroughly outmatched by the New Orleans Pelicans. Anthony Davis and Nikola Mirotic were both electric together as they led the Pels to a dominant 131-112 road victory.

Several fans and experts alike have projected that the Rockets could take a bit of a step backwards this season, potentially missing out on their window of opportunity last year. Quite frankly, I tend to agree with that notion. The oft-injured Chris Paul isn’t getting any younger, the loss of Trevor Ariza and Luc Mbah a Moute will very likely hurt the defense significantly and I believe the addition of Carmelo Anthony will produce a similar result as it did in Oklahoma City last season.

Melo certainly showed as much to be the case in his Rockets debut as he finished with just nine points on an atrocious 3-of-10 from the field and 1-of-5 from deep. He didn’t seem to fit well within the offense and we all know what a liability he can be defensively.

Still, at this point it’s pretty hard to judge the Rockets after just one game which could have very well been a fluke on either side. We’ll start to get a better idea of their prowess after they take on LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night.

Considering how early it is in the season, it’s hard to predict how this contest is going to go, but based on what we’ve seen so far, considering that the Jazz will want revenge for last year’s playoff defeat and knowing that Utah’s depth and improved offense may allow them to challenge the Rockets much like New Orleans did, I’m going to go out on a limb and pin the Jazz as winners in this contest.

Doing so will be no easy feat, and I expect a close contest much like we saw against Golden State on Friday. But ultimately, I’m taking the Jazz to earn a statement win on the road.

My Prediction: Jazz Win

Final Score: Utah 116, Houston 113

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