2. Utah Jazz vs. Minnesota Timberwolves – December 9
The Utah Jazz play the Minnesota Timberwolves in their second game of the year, their first chance against the center that called Salt Lake City home for nine seasons, but that’s one the road. Rudy Gobert won’t get the chance to return to Utah until December 9th, and while many are expecting an emotional homecoming, there’s definitely a good chance for some hostility from the home fans too.
During his time with the Jazz, Gobert won three Defensive Player of the Year awards, and after several failed playoff runs, it was time for both sides to move on. Gobert moved to a team that’s ready to take the next step, and the Jazz got back an immense haul of picks, so both sides worked out fairly well, but that doesn’t mean the fans will be as respectful as you might expect.
Ultimately, the Jazz are outmatched by a T-Wolves team that boasts a starting lineup of Anthony Edwards, Karl Anthony-Towns and now Gobert, but if things work out well, expect a much anticipated game, highlighted by an emotional tribute to a man that gave everything he could to the Jazz for almost a decade.