2/28 Utah at Denver
8:30 pm MT – TNT
Opponent record: 40-18
Season series: Tied 1-1
In an ideal situation, the Utah Jazz would blow out the LA Clippers in Wednesday’s contest and therefore be able to rest their starters for much of the final period of play to leave them refreshed for Thursday’s bout in Denver. Even if such were to be the case, though, this is going to be a tough contest for the Jazz.
Utah got the best of the Nuggets in the last matchup in Salt Lake City, but the Jazz have a tendency to struggle mightily in the Mile-High City. In fact, Utah hasn’t won a game there since the 2015-16 season. Factor in as well that this game will be on the second night of a back-to-back following an often turbulent flight from SLC to Denver and that the Nugs have consistently been one of the most daunting opponents in the Association, and this is a less than favorable scenario for Utah.
All-Star Nikola Jokic is more than capable of giving Rudy Gobert fits. Denver’s prolific backcourt duo of Jamal Murray and Gary Harris are a tough out. And the Nuggets have tremendous depth and chemistry that have allowed them to surge to second in the West. They’ve also recently added the formerly injured Isaiah Thomas back into their mix which could add a whole new dynamic to their team.
In short, this is a dangerous group that the Jazz have struggled to match up against. Sure, Utah got the last victory by a narrow margin at home, but they were blown out in the first meeting back in early November. With this one being a back-to-back whereas the Nuggets will be coming out fresh, I’m feeling less than optimistic about Utah’s chances.
Painful though it is to say, I’m pinning Denver to win quite convincingly in this bout. Ideally the Jazz will then be able to settle the score in the two teams’ final meeting that comes just before the start of postseason play.
My Prediction: Nuggets Win
Final Score: Denver 114, Utah 101