The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz Week Seven Outlook: Are the Jazz in for a change of fortune?

By Jared Woodcox

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 19: Donovan Mitchell #45 and Ricky Rubio #3 of the Utah Jazz talk in the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 19, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 19: Donovan Mitchell #45 and Ricky Rubio #3 of the Utah Jazz talk in the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 19, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 19: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz looks to pass the ball while defended by Domantas Sabonis #11 and Cory Joseph #6 of the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 19, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 19: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz looks to pass the ball while defended by Domantas Sabonis #11 and Cory Joseph #6 of the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 19, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

11/26 Utah vs. Indiana

7:00 pm MT – AT&T SportsNet/League Pass

Opponent record: 11-8

Season series: Pacers lead 1-0

Everything seemed to go Indiana’s way the last time they faced off against the Jazz a mere week ago. Despite not having their star player Victor Oladipo, they logged their season-high in assists with 35 and simply got the whole team involved to roll the Jazz. Indiana shot a blistering 52.7 percent from the field and 48 percent from three.

They benefited from a balanced attack that included 21 points from sharpshooter Bojan Bogdanovic, 19 points from prolific big man Domantas Sabonis and 19 points from rookie Aaron Holiday. Overall, the Jazz were run out of the building in a game they failed to compete in.

However, it’s looking like the Pacers could be in deep trouble in Monday’s contest as three of their key players are all listed as questionable for the bout – Victor Oladipo, Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner.

Last Monday was the first time since acquiring Oladipo that the Pacers had won a game without him, so it’s safe to say that they struggle in his absence. If he’s unable to go along with either or both of the other players listed on the injury report, that will spell bad news for Indy and a fortunate break for the Jazz.

Then again, considering that Jazz star Donovan Mitchell sat out on Sunday night in Sacramento, it’s safe to say that his status is up in the air as well. With so many injury questions looming, it’s hard to get a feel for which team will ultimately come out on top.

However, I have a hunch that the Pacers will continue to be cautious with Oladipo, and if such is the case, even if Mitchell doesn’t play, I think the Jazz will figure out a way to defend their home court and arise victorious. It will be a second night of a back-to-back for them which is less than favorable, but they seemed to sort some things out in their win over the Kings.

Yes, Ricky Rubio will have to shoot well once again, which is hard to bank on, but Indy’s backcourt sans Oladipo of Darren Collison and Tyreke Evans has been spotty at best of late, so I could see the Jazz having a huge advantage.

We’ll get a better feel for how the odds swing in this game as we get closer to tip-off, but for now I’m pinning Utah as winners in a close one.

My Prediction: Jazz Win

Final Score: Utah 100, Indiana 98

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