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

By Jared Woodcox

CHARLOTTE, NC - JANUARY 12: Joe Ingles #2 of the Utah Jazz tries to stop Nicolas Batum #5 of the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on January 12, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - JANUARY 12: Joe Ingles #2 of the Utah Jazz tries to stop Nicolas Batum #5 of the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on January 12, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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ORLANDO, FL – NOVEMBER 11: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz goes up for a shot against Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic during a game on November 11, 2016 at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 2016 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL – NOVEMBER 11: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz goes up for a shot against Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic during a game on November 11, 2016 at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 2016 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Orlando Magic: Nikola Vucevic vs. Rudy Gobert

When some teams go head-to-head, there’s just an obvious matchup that fans will be absolutely giddy to watch. Such is the case when the Magic and Jazz face off, because the teams’ two best players just so happen to play the same position and are dominant at their craft. Of course I’m referring to both centers – Nikola Vucevic and Rudy Gobert.

Vucevic has blossomed into an undeniable star that helped carry the Magic to the postseason last year after a lengthy absence. Vuc had an amazing year with career-best marks including 20.8 points, 12 rebounds and 3.8 assists along with the best perimeter shooting mark since he started consistently attempting such shots at 36.4 percent.

And although for the most part through their careers, Gobert has consistently gotten the best of Vucevic, that was far from the case last year as Nikola outplayed him in both contests. Part of that can likely be attributed to the significant improvements the Magic center made last season, but some of it may have just been good fortune.

I’m willing to bet that Rudy sees it as the latter, and will be anxious to once again reassert himself against a formidable foe in Vucevic this year. Both are capable players and among the best centers in the league, albeit with Vuc shining brighter on offense and Rudy on defense. As they are each such evenly-matched behemoths, expect a hard-fought and exhilarating battle each time they face off.

Scheduled Contests:

  • 12/17 Orlando at Utah
  • 1/4 Utah at Orlando
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