The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz Week 20 Outlook: Jazz face toughest remaining week of ’18-19

By Jared Woodcox

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - FEBRUARY 23: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on February 23, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - FEBRUARY 23: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on February 23, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 14 : Danilo Gallinari #8 of the LA Clippers jocks for a position during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on January 14, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 14 : Danilo Gallinari #8 of the LA Clippers jocks for a position during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on January 14, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2/27 Utah vs. LA

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

Opponent record: 33-27

Season series: Jazz lead 1-0

The Utah Jazz will be facing a much different LA Clippers team this time around than the one they soundly defeated back in mid-January by a score of 129-109. LA was heavily active around the trade deadline as they apparently are seeking to open up space to be major players in this summer’s free agency. Seeing how that team unfolds in the coming months is going to be absolutely intriguing.

Most notably during their wheeling and dealing at the trade deadline was their decision to move their leading scorer Tobias Harris to the Philadelphia 76ers. Harris is a prolific stretch-four talent that Jazz fans have long been pining after, and for good reason. His phenomenal play was a big reason why the Clips have been firmly in the playoff mix for most of the year.

But with him and other of his former teammates now gone, the Clippers suddenly appear less formidable than before. Even so, they’re still a feisty bunch and definitely have some gamers in their ranks such as sixth man extraordinaire Lou Williams, Montrezl Harrell, Danilo Gallinari and promising rookies Landry Shamet and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Not only that, but owner Steve Ballmer has essentially said that this team is focused on making the playoffs, lottery pick be damned. Some might question that method, but personally I’m a fan. Going all in even with the odds stacked against them is a much better display of a strong winning culture for prospective free agents than simply tanking the season away would be.

It’s also a frightening declaration to opposing teams, indicating to them that they need to be ready when going up against the Clippers. This LA squad isn’t just going to roll over or lie down, and the Jazz certainly need to be prepared. As I mentioned, the Clippers boast a scrappy and resilient group of players as well as an experienced coach which will make them a challenging opponent for any team in the league.

Even so, considering how well-rested the Jazz will be for this bout, that it’s taking place on their home floor and that Utah’s similar team-first approach is simply more talented than that of LA’s, I’m expecting them to be able to come away victorious quite handily. There are promising pieces on the Clips roster, but none that pose anything close to an indomitable threat. As such, this contest should end in the Jazz’s favor.

My Prediction: Jazz Win

Final Score: Utah 120, LA 108

Next. 2/28 at Denver. dark

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