The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz: Most intriguing individual matchups series – Pacific Division

By Jared Woodcox

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MARCH 25: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball against Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz on March 25, 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 - MARCH 25: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball against Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz on March 25, 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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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – MARCH 4: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans and Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz fight for the rebound on March 4, 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 – MARCH 4: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans and Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz fight for the rebound on March 4, 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) /

Los Angeles Lakers: Anthony Davis vs. Rudy Gobert

I know, I know. Anthony Davis doesn’t want to play center. And in an attempt to make sure everything goes smoothly with their highly sought after star who has just one year remaining on his contract, the Lakers are going to cater to his every wish. That’s why they brought in Dwight Howard after DeMarcus Cousins went down with an ACL injury, and why the Lakers are likely to lean heavily on he and JaVale McGee this upcoming season at the five-spot.

That is the situation the Lakers have on hand even if Anthony Davis’ most suitable position in today’s NBA is very likely the center spot. And regardless of his wishes, you can bet that in several key moments, especially come playoff time, the Lakers will indeed slide him to that spot. And whenever he’s there (and even at times when he’s not), expect him to go head-to-head with daunting Jazz center Rudy Gobert.

Gobert has tended to play quite well against Davis, though both have had some exceptional as well as poor games against one another throughout their NBA careers. Davis is far and above the more prolific offensive threat, but Gobert has the edge on defense, even though Davis is a DPOY contender in his own right as well.

In years past, Gobert also had the help of Derrick Favors against AD, though, and to D-Favs’ credit, he did extremely well against the former New Orleans Pelicans superstar. In contests moving forward, though, Gobert will likely be the most vital player the Jazz have to challenge Davis.

Sure, when Howard or McGee are on the floor, the Jazz may throw others such as Jeff Green or even Royce O’Neale at Davis, but when the Brow needs to be stopped, it’ll be the Stifle Tower who gets the call. These two are among the best big men in the league who find themselves on a pair of teams that strongly consider themselves championship contenders, which could lead to some epic battles in all aspects.

Scheduled Contests:

  • 10/25 Utah at Los Angeles
  • 12/4 Los Angeles at Utah
  • 3/16 Los Angeles at Utah
  • 3/18 Utah at Los Angeles
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