Prediction – Jazz 116, Timberwolves 106
This will be a true test for the Jazz as the Minnesota Timberwolves can present a challenging matchup and are solid on their home court. However, considering the team’s dysfunction, the struggles thus far of Karl-Anthony Towns, their lack of depth and the fact that Utah’s defense tends to thrive against teams that rely too heavily on one player (in this case Jimmy Butler), I’m picking the Jazz to come out on top.
They split the season series with Minnesota last season, including splitting both the home and away contests, but overall the Jazz tend to enjoy success over the Timberwolves. Utah’s starters will need to play much better in Minnesota than they did in Dallas on Sunday and the Jazz bench will need to continue to step up to take advantage of a lackluster T-Wolves second unit, but I’m fully confident that they can do so.
As long as Utah comes out with high energy, takes advantage of rested legs and excels in the three aforementioned key areas, I see no reason why they shouldn’t topple an unstable Timberwolves team.
This game tips off on Halloween night (Wednesday) at 6:00 PM MT.