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Utah Jazz 2018-19 Week Three Outlook: Jazz aim to continue win streak

By Jared Woodcox

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 19: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz reacts to a late basket in the second half of a NBA game against the Golden State Warriors at Vivint Smart Home Arena on October 19, 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. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 19: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz reacts to a late basket in the second half of a NBA game against the Golden State Warriors at Vivint Smart Home Arena on October 19, 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. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON- OCTOBER 24 – Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jimmy Butler (23) as theToronto Raptors start their season 5-0 with a 112-105 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. October 24, 2018. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON- OCTOBER 24 – Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jimmy Butler (23) as theToronto Raptors start their season 5-0 with a 112-105 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. October 24, 2018. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /

10/31 Utah at Minnesota

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

Opponent record: 2-4

Season series: Tied 0-0

The Minnesota Timberwolves have been the epitome of dysfunction so far this season. Not only has Jimmy Butler‘s trade request been a troublesome distraction, but the fact that he’s backed up his claim as the team’s most important player is a further nerve-wracking element for the T-Wolves. There’s clearly a rift there that likely can’t be repaired, but Minnesota also desperately needs Jimmy’s production.

That whole circus has certainly caused an interesting dynamic, and it’s also led to young Wolves star Karl-Anthony Towns getting off to a disappointing start thus far. His shooting percentages are encouraging, but as a whole his numbers are significantly down from last year. He’s looked largely flustered and disengaged, and his defense continues to be as questionable as ever.

As such, it’s little surprise that the Timberwolves have limped out of the gates to the tune of a 2-4 record. In their defense, they’ve faced some tough teams and even defeated a solid Indiana Pacers squad, but overall they’ve been largely disappointing.

Quite frankly, with so much discord taking place within their own ranks, I have a hard time seeing them going anywhere far unless Butler recommits to the Wolves and continues bearing a massive load on his shoulders. Considering, though, that the Jazz will be facing them while they remain in the midst of this turmoil, I expect that a well-rested Utah squad will come into Minnesota focused and ready to do some damage.

Utah matches up well against the poor defensive duo of Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns, and while Butler can be a major problem, I’m confident that Utah’s deep and dangerous defense will be able to slow him enough while capitalizing on Minnesota’s dysfunction and lack of depth to be able to come up with a fourth straight win on this road trip.

My Prediction: Jazz Win

Final Score: Utah 116, Minnesota 106

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