The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz Week 13 Outlook: Jazz can continue climb up standings

By Jared Woodcox

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 05: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz celebrates late in the game with Ricky Rubio #3 while playing the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on January 05, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Utah won the game 110-105. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 05: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz celebrates late in the game with Ricky Rubio #3 while playing the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on January 05, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Utah won the game 110-105. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 30: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a play during the game against the Sacramento Kings on December 30, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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 Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 30: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a play during the game against the Sacramento Kings on December 30, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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 Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1/11 Utah vs. Los Angeles

8:00 pm MT – ESPN

Opponent record: 21-18

Season series: Lakers lead 1-0

Considering that the Los Angeles Lakers boast one of the greatest players to ever hit the basketball court in LeBron James, normally I wouldn’t necessarily categorize this contest as ‘winnable’. Sure, LeBron has struggled in Salt Lake City with seven straight losses there, but he’s simply the kind of talent that can never be counted out.

However, recent reports have made it seem quite unlikely that LeBron will be in action for this bout. He suffered a groin injury on Christmas Day and has been out of action since. He is set to be re-evaluated on this exact date, meaning that unless the Lakers are one hundred percent confident in his recovery and don’t feel a need to work him back into game shape (which seems highly improbable), he won’t play in this contest.

That will provide a much-needed break for the Jazz albeit a disappointing one for fans that were hoping to see The King in action. However, with the Jazz sitting a mere game and a half behind the Lakers in the standings for that final playoff spot, earning a victory here will be crucial.

The Lakers have been a disaster since LeBron went down with the injury as they’ve lost four of their last five contests in his absence. Even dating back before that, the Lakers currently are on a streak of losing seven of their last 10 games, so it’s been far from easy going for them.

As such, the Jazz should be well-equipped to capitalize on a lackluster LeBron-less Lakers team and earn an important victory at home. The last time these two squads faced off, LeBron James was in action and Donovan Mitchell left the game with an injury just 12 minutes in, and the Lakers still only barely managed to arise victorious against the road-weary Jazz. With so much going in Utah’s favor this time around, I don’t see any way they drop this one barring a surprise return from James.

My Prediction: Jazz Win

Final Score: Utah 103, Los Angeles 97

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