The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz Weeks 17 and 18 Outlook: Can Jazz enter ASB on a high note?

By Jared Woodcox

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JANUARY 23: The Utah Jazz celebrates during the game against the Denver Nuggets on January 23, 2019 at Vivint Smart Home 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JANUARY 23: The Utah Jazz celebrates during the game against the Denver Nuggets on January 23, 2019 at Vivint Smart Home 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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PHOENIX, AZ – FEBRUARY 4: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns reacts to a play during the game against the Houston Rockets on February 4. 2019 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ – FEBRUARY 4: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns reacts to a play during the game against the Houston Rockets on February 4. 2019 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2/6 Utah vs. Phoenix

7:00 pm MT – AT&T SportsNet/League Pass

Opponent record: 11-44

Season series: Tied 0-0

The Western Conference is loaded with talent nearly from top to bottom. Even the teams that are far out of the playoffs should be viewed as a threat night in and night out, save for one. The lone exception to that is none other than the hapless Phoenix Suns, who reside at dead last in the West with a dismal record of 11-44.

There was optimism, even among the ranks of Utah Jazz fans I believe, that former Jazz assistant coach Igor Kokoskov could help turn things around in Phoenix where the Suns have been bottom-feeders for years now. Unfortunately, a culture so accustomed to losing is hard to change overnight and it’s apparent that Igor still has his work cut out for him.

The Suns have dropped 11 straight contests and are winless since January 12th. They’ve won just four games on the road in 27 tries. They’re third to last in the league in offense and second to last in the league in defense.

Add all that together, and it would feel like this should be an easy win for the Jazz. I tend to agree, but it also has somewhat the feel of a trap game. The Jazz haven’t looked mentally sound of late, likely distracted by thoughts of the trade deadline. The Suns will also be hungry for a win and despite their long losing streak have had some extremely narrow losses. Last of all, Igor will know Utah’s game plan well which could present a challenge for Quin Snyder and Co.

All this considered, there’s still no reason why the Utah Jazz should lose this game. Utah is too talented and the Suns too lackluster. It might not be the prettiest game, but I’m still pinning the Jazz to come out on top.

My Prediction: Jazz Win

Final Score: Utah 119, Phoenix 102

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