The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz: Top 5 games to look forward to in 2019-20

By Jared Woodcox

DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 5: Joe Ingles #2 of the Utah Jazz and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz celebrate during the game against the Detroit Pistons on January 5, 2019 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 5: Joe Ingles #2 of the Utah Jazz and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz celebrate during the game against the Detroit Pistons on January 5, 2019 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – MARCH 04: Jrue Holiday #11 of the New Orleans Pelicans guards Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz during a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 4, 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 04: Jrue Holiday #11 of the New Orleans Pelicans guards Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz during a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 4, 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) /

Saturday, November 23rd – Utah Jazz vs. New Orleans Pelicans

Although the New Orleans Pelicans are by no means a playoff lock, and most would probably presume they’ll finish outside of that mix in the loaded Western Conference, they’re still going to be one of the more exciting teams in the league. That’s largely due to the fact that they have one of the most highly hyped draft picks in recent NBA history in Duke product Zion Williamson, who’s bound to be an impact player from day one.

Not only that, but they have savvy vets in the likes of returning Jrue Holiday and newcomer J.J. Redick as well as young promising guys like Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and Josh Hart, who were all included in the Anthony Davis trade. This mix of talented veterans and promising youth is what has so many basketball fans excited for what the Pelicans could bring to the table this upcoming season, and is a big reason why they’ve earned so much national TV exposure.

But, while all that is intriguing and certainly weighs in to why this is a top-5 most exciting contest for Jazz fans, there’s a much more specific reason why this game will be one of the best. Obviously, the Pelicans added a player this offseason that is very dear in the hearts of Jazz fans – Derrick Favors.

November 23rd will mark his return to Salt Lake City, which had become his home for so many seasons as last year’s longest tenured Jazzman. Favors no doubt will be welcomed with an overwhelming ovation and likely a shimmering tribute for the time and work he put in as a member of the Utah Jazz. Seeing him back in the Beehive State will be a bittersweet moment that Jazz fans will not want to miss.

Especially considering that Favors finally will have the chance to be an absolute force on a team that will allow him to play as the starting center – a spot he should flourish in – he could very well be in for a career season. Pair that with how nicely he should fit alongside guys like Holiday, Redick and possibly Williamson (assuming he’s able to quickly live up to the hype), and this could be an exhilarating team that challenges the Jazz.

Factor all the aforementioned details in together, and this could be a highly competitive and exciting game surrounded by a feeling of high-emotion due to the return of a long-time beloved former Jazzman in Favors.

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