The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz Week 10 Outlook: Perplexing Jazz face tough slate

By Jared Woodcox

MEXICO CITY, MX - DECEMBER 15: Dante Exum #11 of the Utah Jazz looks on prior to the game against the Orlando Magic as part of the NBA Mexico Games 2018 on December 15, 2018 at Arena Ciudad de Mexico in Mexico City, Mexico. 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 David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEXICO CITY, MX - DECEMBER 15: Dante Exum #11 of the Utah Jazz looks on prior to the game against the Orlando Magic as part of the NBA Mexico Games 2018 on December 15, 2018 at Arena Ciudad de Mexico in Mexico City, Mexico. 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 David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – DECEMBER 6: Ricky Rubio #3 of the Utah Jazz passes off under the basket while being guarded by Gerald Green #14 of the Houston Rockets during their game at the Vivint Smart Home Arena on December 6, 2018 in Salt Lake City , Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – DECEMBER 6: Ricky Rubio #3 of the Utah Jazz passes off under the basket while being guarded by Gerald Green #14 of the Houston Rockets during their game at the Vivint Smart Home Arena on December 6, 2018 in Salt Lake City , Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images) /

12/17 Utah at Houston

6:00 pm MT – AT&T SportsNet/NBA TV

Opponent record: 14-14

Season series: Jazz lead 2-0

Surprisingly, amidst all of Utah’s issues this season, they’ve had their way with the Houston Rockets. The Jazz are currently 2-0 against James Harden and Co., and logged a blowout win the last time they faced off.

The bad news about that is that the Rockets haven’t exactly looked like a powerhouse to start out the season, as they’ve been arguably even more erratic than the Jazz, so I’m not so sure those can really be considered quality wins. And while both teams have struggled, it appears that the Rockets are much closer to turning things around. Unlike Utah, they have managed to climb back to .500 as they now sit at 14-14, and they’ve also stringed together some nice wins.

They’ve won three straight contests against teams higher than them in the Western Conference Standings – the Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies. It’s always seemed reasonable that the Rockets would right the ship with the reigning MVP and the crafty Chris Paul in their ranks, but unfortunately for the Jazz, it seems that turnaround may be coinciding with Utah’s visit to H-Town.

Not only that, but after experiencing an embarrassing thumping the last time they faced off, don’t be surprised if the Rockets come out looking for a bit of revenge.

Even so, I may regret this, but I’m going to lean towards optimism in this contest. Houston’s putrid D and several other shortcomings have held them well below their potential this season, and the Jazz have matched up very well with them of late. I believe Saturday’s loss in Orlando was more anomaly than reality and that Utah will bounce back quickly.

The Rockets could very well be on the up and up, and it wouldn’t surprise me one bit if the Jazz fall short in this road bout, but I’m going to go ahead and go out on a limb and pin the Jazz as winners in Monday’s contest in which they’ll bounce back nicely.

My Prediction: Jazz Win

Final Score: Utah 108, Houston 103

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