The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz Week 23 Outlook: Four-game road trip vs. lottery squads

By Jared Woodcox

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - FEBRUARY 27: Joe Ingles #2 of the Utah Jazz celebrates during the game against the LA Clippers on February 27, 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 27: Joe Ingles #2 of the Utah Jazz celebrates during the game against the LA Clippers on February 27, 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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WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 16: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards celebrates after hitting a three pointer in the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at Capital One Arena on March 16, 2019 in Washington, DC. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 16: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards celebrates after hitting a three pointer in the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at Capital One Arena on March 16, 2019 in Washington, DC. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

3/18 Utah at Washington

5:00 pm MT – AT&T SportsNet/League Pass

Opponent record: 30-40

Season series: Tied 0-0

The Washington Wizards are the lone team remaining that the Utah Jazz have yet to face this year. After this Monday’s contest, Utah will host them on March 29th to complete the season series.

The Wizards have been a definite disappointment this season. Between drama surrounding Dwight Howard, a season-ending injury to John Wall, the trading of Kelly Oubre and later Otto Porter, and non-stop commotion and contention in the locker room throughout the year, it’s no surprise that they find themselves under .500 and well out of the playoff mix, even in the shallow Eastern Conference.

While experiencing turmoil or otherwise, the Jazz have matched up extremely well against the Wizards in recent seasons as they hold a five-game winning streak over the DC squad, two of which came in major blowout fashion. Utah should come into this game confident with both that winning streak and a current three-game winning streak overall on the line.

There are a few things the Jazz will have to watch out for, though. First of all is All-Star Bradley Beal who, despite finding himself on a disappointing team, is still not a player to be trifled with. He’s putting up over 26 points per game on solid shooting splits and is without a doubt the most dangerous weapon on the squad.

Mid-season additions Bobby Portis and Jabari Parker have been playing quite well for Washington as well as they’ve already solidified themselves as the third and fourth leading scorers on the team with both upwards of 14 points per contest. Washington has played with a bit more swagger since the trade deadline, so Utah absolutely can’t be caught unaware.

Lastly, the Wizards are actually pretty decent on their home court where they boast a 22-13 record, which is better than or equal to each of the five teams immediately ahead of them in the standings. In other words, while the Wizards are an almost certain lottery team due largely to their road struggles, at home they play more like a team worthy of the sixth seed in the East. This is further proof to how prepared Utah must be in this contest.

Thankfully, I think they’ll be rearing and ready to go. I’ll especially be excited to see how Derrick Favors performs against Jabari Parker, considering that the two have been connected in trade rumors for two consecutive seasons now. Between Utah’s recent hot play and their track record of a good matchup against the Washington Wizards, I’m pinning the Jazz to come away victorious quite easily in this contest.

My Prediction: Jazz Win

Final Score: Utah 120, Washington 103

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