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Utah Jazz at Cleveland Cavaliers: Keys to first win of 2019

Jared Woodcox|
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - DECEMBER 30: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz goes to the basket in front of Tristan Thompson #13 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second half of the 104-101 win by the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on December 30, 2017 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 - DECEMBER 30: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz goes to the basket in front of Tristan Thompson #13 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second half of the 104-101 win by the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on December 30, 2017 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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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – DECEMBER 25: Derrick Favors #15 and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz smile after a game against the Portland Trail Blazers on December 25, 2018 at vivint.SmartHome Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – DECEMBER 25: Derrick Favors #15 and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz smile after a game against the Portland Trail Blazers on December 25, 2018 at vivint.SmartHome Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)

Prediction – Jazz 120, Cavs 98

I haven’t been able to say this with much surety about the Jazz very often this season, but I really think they’re going to win big in this one. The Cavs just simply don’t have the talent, depth or defense to hold the Jazz in check. Not only that, but Utah will be coming in with two days of rest which should provide them with fresh legs and great energy.

The Jazz have only played one other bottom-five team in the league so far this season, and it was a dominant victory over the hapless New York Knicks. If the Jazz are able to replicate that performance and simply take care of business against the inferior Cavs, they should be just fine. I certainly like their odds of doing so in this upcoming bout.

The Jazz and Cavs tip-off on Friday at 5:30 PM MT in what will be Utah’s second game of a four-game road trip and just their second contest of the new calendar year.

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