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

By Jared Woodcox

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MAY 4: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz speaks with Derrick Favors #15 during the game against the Houston Rockets during Game Three of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 4, 2018 at the Vivint Smart Home Arena Salt Lake City, Utah. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MAY 4: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz speaks with Derrick Favors #15 during the game against the Houston Rockets during Game Three of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 4, 2018 at the Vivint Smart Home Arena Salt Lake City, Utah. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 21: Derrick Favors #15 hi-fives Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz on March 21, 2019 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 21: Derrick Favors #15 hi-fives Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz on March 21, 2019 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

New Orleans Pelicans: Derrick Favors vs. Rudy Gobert

Speaking of nostalgic matchups such as when Conley takes on Memphis, Jazz fans will be treated to some teary nostalgia of their own whenever they go up against the New Orleans Pelicans. That’s because they’re the squad that ended up with longtime and highly beloved former Jazzman Derrick Favors after Utah traded him away to make room for Bojan Bogdanovic.

But while Jazz fans may feel nostalgic, I’m certain Favors will be playing with a bit of a chip on his shoulder and something to prove, anxious to show his former squad just what they gave up when they lost him. Not only that, but the individual matchup he’ll have against former teammate Rudy Gobert should be absolutely exhilarating in and of itself.

Though Favors started for the Jazz, he was often overshadowed by Gobert as Derrick would quickly be benched early in games so he could return and play backup center behind Rudy. Now, with a chance to shine as the starting center for the Pelicans, Favors will be looking to prove that he is more than just a backup or a second option.

Having practiced alongside one another for so long, Gobert and Favors will have an incredible familiarity with each other when they go head-to-head. This will make for a heated battle with Gobert looking to prove the Jazz spot on for entrusting him fully with the starting center responsibilities and Favors wanting to show what they lost.

Both are incredible defenders (with Gobert holding the edge obviously) so both will have the potential to swat the other away. And while Rudy’s size allows him to command more gravity on offense, Favors enjoys a far better shooting touch and is incredible in the pick-and-roll.

With each having unique strengths and weaknesses, seeing them line up against one another in different jerseys is going to be both weird and exciting, and is the individual matchup Jazz fans will likely most be looking forward to whenever a contest against the Pelicans awaits.

Scheduled Contests:

  • 11/23 New Orleans at Utah
  • 1/6 Utah at New Orleans
  • 1/16 Utah at New Orleans
  • 3/13 New Orleans at Utah
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