Utah Jazz Week 15 Outlook: Can win streak live on vs. stiff competition?

3 of 5

DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 26: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets jocks for a position against the Utah Jazz on December 26, 2017 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1/23 Utah vs. Denver

8:30 pm MT – ESPN

Opponent record: 31-14

Season series: Nuggets lead 1-0

The Denver Nuggets have been one of the most surprising teams in the league thus far. They showed such promise last year and only missed the playoffs by a mere game, falling to the Timberwolves in the final contest of the season. As such, many suspected they’d take a leap and be a sure-fire playoff caliber team this season.

That has indeed been true, but they’ve looked like much more than that. They’ve played like one of the elite squads in the Western Conference. Their recent slippage aside, which has seen them fall below the Golden State Warriors in the standings, this is a formidable team that boasts a well-rounded starting five and good depth. Despite some poor injury luck, they’re still 31-14 and have logged several wins over big-time opponents.

Last time they faced the Jazz, it was one of those games where there was little hope for Utah going in. The Jazz were on the second night of a back-to-back whereas Denver was fresh and playing on their home court where they’ve been dominant. Even so, they’re 103-88 dismantling of the Jazz was an impressive one.

Donovan Mitchell struggled (as he has tended to against Denver since joining the league) while the Nuggets’ backcourt duo was electric.

The Jazz and Nuggets will find themselves on a much more level playing field this time around as each will be coming in off some rest (though it should be noted that it will be Denver’s first game since Saturday). Even so, I’m predicting a similar result in this one. The Nuggets have just been too solid whereas the Jazz, despite their nice winning streak, still have been erratic even against lackluster teams.

Denver is a team against which the Jazz can’t let inconsistency topple them, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see such be the case, especially considering the injury woes that are currently plaguing the Salt Lake City squad. I’m expecting a closer bout than last time, but that ultimately the Nuggets will prevail, bringing the Jazz’s win streak (assuming they make it past Portland) to an unfortunate end.

My Prediction: Nuggets Win

Final Score: Denver 115, Utah 108

Home/Jazz News