The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz Week 26 Outlook: Will final two games of season hold any bearing?

By Jared Woodcox

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MARCH 29: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz celebrates a basket during a game against the Washington Wizards at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 29, 2019 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. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MARCH 29: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz celebrates a basket during a game against the Washington Wizards at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 29, 2019 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. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /
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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – FEBRUARY 27: Ivica Zubac #40 of the LA Clippers and Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz fight for position 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: Ivica Zubac #40 of the LA Clippers and Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz fight for position 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) /

4/10 Utah at LA

8:30 pm MT – AT&T SportsNet/League Pass

Opponent record: 47-34

Season series: Jazz lead 2-0

As I’ve mentioned, this game could have little to no bearing for the Jazz. On the flip side, the Clippers might have a lot to play for in terms of improving their seeding or perhaps aiming to avoid eighth place and a first-round date with the Golden State Warriors. As such, especially if the fifth seed and a date with Portland is already sealed, Utah may rest players to prepare for the playoffs.

Even so, I like the Jazz’s matchup with the Clippers, even if some of the key guys are out. Quin Snyder knows how to excel against Doc Rivers‘ squad and in all Utah boasts more depth and talent.

I could be completely off here because the Jazz may not have much reason to win this bout. But assuming they play most of their starters and have any motivation whatsoever to compete and win, then I’m going to pin Utah as winners in this contest.

My Prediction: Jazz Win

Final Score: Utah 102, LA 97

Next. Utah Jazz: Bad Lakers loss could prove extremely costly. dark

So I have Utah going 1-1 in their final week which would just get them to the 50-win mark. Such would be a nice little improvement over a season ago and a good milestone. However, what’s most important is that they get a playoff seeding that allows them to avoid the Houston Rockets in round one. The Rockets have been playing incredibly of late and are a terrible matchup for the Jazz. Putting off a meeting with them for as long as possible would be ideal.

We’ll see how it all plays out following the two final Utah Jazz games of the 2018-19 regular season.

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