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Utah Jazz Week 24 Outlook: Jazz face chance at statement week

Jared Woodcox|
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 18: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz smiles before the game against the Washington Wizards on March 18, 2019 at the Capital One Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images (EDITORS NOTE: Multiple exposures were combined in camera to produce this image)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 18: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz smiles before the game against the Washington Wizards on March 18, 2019 at the Capital One Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images (EDITORS NOTE: Multiple exposures were combined in camera to produce this image)
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WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 18:Washington Wizards forward Troy Brown Jr. (6) tries to run the ball past Utah Jazz forward Royce O’Neale (23) during the second half of the game between the Washington Wizards and the Utah Jazz at the Capital One Arena on Monday, March 18, 2019. The Utah Jazz defeated the Washington Wizards 116-95. (Photo by Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 18:Washington Wizards forward Troy Brown Jr. (6) tries to run the ball past Utah Jazz forward Royce O’Neale (23) during the second half of the game between the Washington Wizards and the Utah Jazz at the Capital One Arena on Monday, March 18, 2019. The Utah Jazz defeated the Washington Wizards 116-95. (Photo by Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

3/29 Utah vs. Washington

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

Opponent record: 30-44

Season series: Jazz lead 1-0

Until last week, the Utah Jazz had yet to face the Washington Wizards this season. However, Utah picked up right where they’d left off in former meetings by earning a sixth straight win over the Wizards and in commanding fashion. This is a matchup in which the Jazz have had exceptional success in recent years and I expect that to continue.

Most notably about the prior contest was how well Joe Ingles performed against Wizards star Bradley Beal. Although Beal averages nearly 26 points per game on the season, he was held to just 15 points on 4-of-12 shooting with Ingles locking him up for much of the bout. Meanwhile, Ingles put in 16 points which included making four of his eight 3-point attempts.

With Beal slowed down, Washington had little else they could muster and it ultimately became an easy Jazz win. I doubt they’ll be able to stifle Beal quite as well in a consecutive contest, but they should still be able to earn the same result. This is a great matchup for the Jazz and the struggling Wizards simply don’t have the depth, talent or cohesion to topple them. This contest should result in a seventh straight win for the Jazz in the series matchup.

My Prediction: Jazz Win

Final Score: Utah 114, Washington 103

So while my optimism tends to curse the Jazz, it just feels too right in this instance. I’m pinning them to go a perfect 3-0 this week. Between weak competition and a favorable schedule that features all home games with rest in between each game, the Jazz are in a great spot. If they take care of business in Week 24, they could make a big statement and even find themselves as high as fifth place in the West by week’s end.

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