The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz Week 22 Outlook: Jazz in danger of slipping to eighth with busy slate

By Jared Woodcox

NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 6: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz celebrates after the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 6, 2019 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 6: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz celebrates after the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 6, 2019 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 04: D’Angelo Russell #1 and Caris LeVert #22 of the Brooklyn Nets celebrate after the game against the Dallas Mavericks at Barclays Center on March 04, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Matteo Marchi/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 04: D’Angelo Russell #1 and Caris LeVert #22 of the Brooklyn Nets celebrate after the game against the Dallas Mavericks at Barclays Center on March 04, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Matteo Marchi/Getty Images) /

3/16 Utah vs. Brooklyn

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

Opponent record: 35-33

Season series: Jazz lead 1-0

The Brooklyn Nets have been an entertaining team this season. Although a recent slump saw them fall out of sixth place in the East where they’d held firm for a while, they’ve just rattled off three straight victories and will be well-rested for their bout against the Jazz this Saturday.

All-Star D’Angelo Russell continues to be prolific for the Nets, and a team that’s nicely composed of gritty young players and savvy vets led by an extraordinary coach in Kenny Atkinson is definitely one that can’t be overlooked. The Jazz managed to defeat them in the two teams’ first meeting thanks to an incredible fourth quarter and a herculean effort from Donovan Mitchell.

Heading into the final period of play in that contest, the Nets were squarely out in front as Atkinson’s crafty schemes largely got the best of the Jazz. Therefore, Quin Snyder and Co. will have to be ready for a difficult chess match against a relentless squad if they are to come out on top.

Since returning from a serious injury that he suffered earlier in the season, budding Nets player Caris LeVert has had his ups and downs, as would be expected. However, the Jazz had the luxury of facing the Nets earlier in the year when he was sidelined, and if he can continue to get up to speed and have a good game against the Jazz, it could spell trouble for the Utah squad.

That said, this feels like one the Jazz should and will win. The Nets are no slouch, but their youth is definitely more prominent than their talent. Especially considering that Brooklyn has a losing record on the road, I’m projecting the Jazz to be A-OK in this one and to solidly come out on top.

My Prediction: Jazz Win

Final Score: Utah 111, Brooklyn 101

Next. Utah Jazz seek to avoid sweep vs. OKC: Preview and live comment stream. dark

The Jazz need to play well to close out the year if they want to avoid sliding into the dangerous seventh or eighth seeds. This week may have some challenges in and of itself, but they are still in a good spot to stand pat or continue to climb up the standings. Although I have them going just 2-2 this week, I definitely think they’re capable of more and ideally they’ll show us just that by over-performing in Week 22.

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