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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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – DECEMBER 10: Dennis Schroder #17 of the Oklahoma City Thunder smiles during the game against the Utah Jazz on December 10, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – DECEMBER 10: Dennis Schroder #17 of the Oklahoma City Thunder smiles during the game against the Utah Jazz on December 10, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

12/22 Utah vs. Oklahoma City

7:00 pm MT – AT&T SportsNet/NBA TV

Opponent record: 18-10

Season series: Thunder lead 1-0

Considering how easy the Oklahoma City Thunder’s early schedule has been, the jury is still out on how truly dominant they are. It’s going to take some time to gain a clearer picture of who’s real and who’s not in the West. That said, there’s absolutely no denying that they’re playing excellent basketball right now, and their 18-10 record which has them firmly in third place nipping at the heels of the Warriors and Nuggets is further evidence of that.

They absolutely decimated the Jazz in the two teams’ last meeting, and while many would have called that a ‘schedule loss’ for the Jazz considering that it came on the second night of a road back-to-back, the fact remains that Utah was completely outplayed. Not only that, but unfortunately for Utah, they’ll host the Thunder under similar circumstances once again on Saturday.

This will be the second night of a back-to-back for Utah, who will be traveling in from Portland, whereas the Thunder will have enjoyed two whole days off coming into this contest. As such, I don’t see any way that a weary and struggling Jazz team comes out ahead against a well-rested and red-hot Thunder team.

As much as it pains me to say it, this could be an ugly home loss for the Jazz fans in attendance. Russell Westbrook, Paul George and Steven Adams continue to be electric, and Dennis Schroder seems to have found himself a nice role as a reserve for this Thunder squad. As such, don’t be surprised if they’re able to overwhelm the Jazz in Utah’s final contest before their Christmas Day showdown.

My Prediction: Thunder Win

Final Score: Oklahoma City 119, Utah 102

Next. Derrick Favors is the least productive, but least irritating Utah Jazz starter this season. dark

Those of you who have followed my weekly previews throughout the season probably noticed that this edition is quite a departure from the optimism I’ve tried to stick with. Even the lone win I’ve pinned Utah to get in Houston is one I feel quite uncomfortable with. Honestly, it wouldn’t shock me to see the Jazz go 0-4, and I really don’t see any way that they do better than 2-2.

That lack of hope stems not only from Utah’s terrible play of late, but also from a continued rough travel schedule and daunting foes in Week 10. I still believe the Jazz are more than capable of turning things around this season, but I absolutely don’t see it happening in what will likely be a rough and painful tenth week of NBA action. They’re a measly two games under .500 right now, but don’t be surprised to see that gulf widen even further by week’s end.

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