MEMPHIS, TN – OCTOBER 27: Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against the Phoenix Suns on October 27, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
11/2 Utah vs. Memphis
7:00 pm MT – AT&T SportsNet/League Pass
Opponent record: 3-2
Season series: Grizzlies lead 1-0
The Memphis Grizzlies may have been one of the worst teams in the league last year, but especially now with both Mike Conley and Marc Gasol in action, they are simply a team that can never be overlooked. Their slow-it-down, grind-it-out style can still get the best of any team caught unprepared and unaware.
That’s exactly what Utah found out a week ago when they dropped an ultimate dud against Memphis, losing by a score of 92-84 in what was a ghastly offensive performance for both teams, but especially the Jazz. Memphis’ defense deserves some of the credit for Utah’s woes, but by and large it was just a poor shooting night for Utah.
They’ll need to play much smarter this time around, and do everything in their power to maintain an upbeat tempo to avoid falling into the slog of a game that the Grizzlies hope to create. The Jazz held both Grizzlies stars to rough shooting nights, but simply couldn’t find the offense themselves to compete.
Memphis rookie Jaren Jackson Jr. and former Jazzman Shelvin Mack were also both forces in the contest that Utah will need to be better prepared for. It’s pretty ironic that both Jazz losses thus far on the season have come largely at the hands of former teammates – Jonas Jerebko in the loss against Golden State and Shelvin Mack, who had 12 points on 57.1 percent shooting, in last week’s loss to the Grizz.
The fact of the matter is that in a long and grueling 82-game season, each and every team is going to lay an egg every once in a while. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what the Jazz did in the prior contest against this team. In fairness, I think Memphis is better than a lot of people are giving them credit for, and certainly better than they were last year now that they’re healthier. Nevertheless, this is still a game the Jazz should get, and I believe that they will.
They ought to have a chip on their shoulders and aim to vindicate themselves in this game against the team that forced them into their worst performance of the season just a week ago.
My Prediction: Jazz Win
Final Score: Utah 97, Memphis 88
my predictions record for this past week</a>, as I had them defeating Memphis and losing to New Orleans, which put me at 2-2 on the week and landing at a mark of 4-2 on the season, identical to that of the Jazz. Both the team and my projections will aim to stay on track with an exciting Week Three of action in which Utah will face three tough teams.</p>
<p>They get a bit of a break between contests as they won’t play until Wednesday of this week at which point they’ll visit the Minnesota Timberwolves for their final bout of the current four-game road trip. After that, they’ll aim to get revenge over the Memphis Grizzlies as they’ll host them yet again within the friendly confines of Vivint Smart Home Arena on Friday.</p>
<p>Then, the Jazz will face a brutal turnaround as they’ll take on the Denver Nuggets on the second night of a back-to-back in the Mile High City. Both the Timberwolves and Nuggets figure to be playoff contenders, and as the Jazz learned the hard way last week, the Grizzlies simply can’t be slept on, so they’ll be in for a challenging Week Three. Let’s dive in to each one of the trio of important matchups.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #00265D" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/10/29/utah-jazz-2018-19-week-three-outlook-jazz-aim-to-continue-win-streak/3/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 10/31 at Minnesota </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">TORONTO, ON- OCTOBER 24 – Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jimmy Butler (23) as theToronto Raptors start their season 5-0 with a 112-105 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. October 24, 2018. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>10/31 Utah at Minnesota</h3>
<p><strong>6:00 pm MT – AT&T SportsNet/League Pass</strong></p>
<p><strong>Opponent record: 2-4</strong></p>
<p><strong>Season series: Tied 0-0</strong></p>
<p>The Minnesota Timberwolves have been the epitome of dysfunction so far this season. Not only has <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/10/29/utah-jazz-2018-19-week-three-outlook-jazz-aim-to-continue-win-streak/3/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/butleji01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Jimmy Butler</a>‘s trade request been a troublesome distraction, but the fact that he’s backed up his claim as the team’s most important player is a further nerve-wracking element for the T-Wolves. There’s clearly a rift there that likely can’t be repaired, but Minnesota also desperately needs Jimmy’s production.</p>
<p>That whole circus has certainly caused an interesting dynamic, and it’s also led to young Wolves star <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/10/29/utah-jazz-2018-19-week-three-outlook-jazz-aim-to-continue-win-streak/3/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/townska01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Karl-Anthony Towns</a> getting off to a disappointing start thus far. His shooting percentages are encouraging, but as a whole his numbers are significantly down from last year. He’s looked largely flustered and disengaged, and his defense continues to be as questionable as ever.</p>
<p>As such, it’s little surprise that the Timberwolves have limped out of the gates to the tune of a 2-4 record. In their defense, they’ve faced some tough teams and even defeated a solid Indiana Pacers squad, but overall they’ve been largely disappointing.</p>
<p>Quite frankly, with so much discord taking place within their own ranks, I have a hard time seeing them going anywhere far unless Butler recommits to the Wolves and continues bearing a massive load on his shoulders. Considering, though, that the Jazz will be facing them while they remain in the midst of this turmoil, I expect that a well-rested Utah squad will come into Minnesota focused and ready to do some damage.</p>
<p>Utah matches up well against the poor defensive duo of <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/10/29/utah-jazz-2018-19-week-three-outlook-jazz-aim-to-continue-win-streak/3/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/wiggian01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Andrew Wiggins</a> and Karl-Anthony Towns, and while Butler can be a major problem, I’m confident that Utah’s deep and dangerous defense will be able to slow him enough while capitalizing on Minnesota’s dysfunction and lack of depth to be able to come up with a fourth straight win on this road trip.</p>
<p><strong>My Prediction: Jazz Win</strong></p>
<p><strong>Final Score: Utah 116, Minnesota 106</strong></p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #00265D" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/10/29/utah-jazz-2018-19-week-three-outlook-jazz-aim-to-continue-win-streak/3/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 11/2 vs. Memphis </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-73437" src=https://thejnotes.com/2018/10/29/utah-jazz-2018-19-week-three-outlook-jazz-aim-to-continue-win-streak/3/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1054479800-1-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">MEMPHIS, TN – OCTOBER 27: Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against the Phoenix Suns on October 27, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>11/2 Utah vs. Memphis</h3>
<p><strong>7:00 pm MT – AT&T SportsNet/League Pass</strong></p>
<p><strong>Opponent record: 3-2</strong></p>
<p><strong>Season series: Grizzlies lead 1-0</strong></p>
<p>The Memphis Grizzlies may have been one of the worst teams in the league last year, but especially now with both <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/10/29/utah-jazz-2018-19-week-three-outlook-jazz-aim-to-continue-win-streak/3/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/conlemi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Mike Conley</a> and <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/10/29/utah-jazz-2018-19-week-three-outlook-jazz-aim-to-continue-win-streak/3/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gasolma01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Marc Gasol</a> in action, they are simply a team that can never be overlooked. Their slow-it-down, grind-it-out style can still get the best of any team caught unprepared and unaware.</p>
<p>That’s exactly what Utah found out a week ago when they dropped an ultimate dud against Memphis, losing by a score of 92-84 in what was a ghastly offensive performance for both teams, but especially the Jazz. Memphis’ defense deserves some of the credit for Utah’s woes, but by and large it was just a poor shooting night for Utah.</p>
<p>They’ll need to play much smarter this time around, and do everything in their power to maintain an upbeat tempo to avoid falling into the slog of a game that the Grizzlies hope to create. The Jazz held both Grizzlies stars to rough shooting nights, but simply couldn’t find the offense themselves to compete.</p>
<p>Memphis rookie <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/10/29/utah-jazz-2018-19-week-three-outlook-jazz-aim-to-continue-win-streak/3/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=jacksja01,jacksja02&search=Jaren+Jackson&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 ref="nofollow">Jaren Jackson Jr.</a> and former Jazzman <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/10/29/utah-jazz-2018-19-week-three-outlook-jazz-aim-to-continue-win-streak/3/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/macksh01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Shelvin Mack</a> were also both forces in the contest that Utah will need to be better prepared for. It’s pretty ironic that both Jazz losses thus far on the season have come largely at the hands of former teammates – <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/10/29/utah-jazz-2018-19-week-three-outlook-jazz-aim-to-continue-win-streak/3/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jerebjo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Jonas Jerebko</a> in the loss against Golden State and Shelvin Mack, who had 12 points on 57.1 percent shooting, in last week’s loss to the Grizz.</p>
<p>The fact of the matter is that in a long and grueling 82-game season, each and every team is going to lay an egg every once in a while. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what the Jazz did in the prior contest against this team. In fairness, I think Memphis is better than a lot of people are giving them credit for, and certainly better than they were last year now that they’re healthier. Nevertheless, this is still a game the Jazz should get, and I believe that they will.</p>
<p>They ought to have a chip on their shoulders and aim to vindicate themselves in this game against the team that forced them into their worst performance of the season just a week ago.</p>
<p><strong>My Prediction: Jazz Win</strong></p>
<p><strong>Final Score: Utah 97, Memphis 88</strong></p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #00265D" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/10/29/utah-jazz-2018-19-week-three-outlook-jazz-aim-to-continue-win-streak/3/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 11/3 at Denver </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 20: Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) applauds the crowd as he leaves the floor after defeating the Phoenix Suns 119-91 at the Pepsi Center October 20, 2018. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post via Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>11/3 Utah at Denver</h3>
<p><strong>7:00 pm MT – AT&T SportsNet/League Pass</strong></p>
<p><strong>Opponent record: 4-1</strong></p>
<p><strong>Season series: Tied 0-0</strong></p>
<p>Although the season is still very young, the Denver Nuggets have been one of the teams that I’ve been most impressed with thus far. The young backcourt of <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/10/29/utah-jazz-2018-19-week-three-outlook-jazz-aim-to-continue-win-streak/3/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/murraja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Jamal Murray</a> and <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/10/29/utah-jazz-2018-19-week-three-outlook-jazz-aim-to-continue-win-streak/3/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/harriga01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Gary Harris</a> has been electrifying. <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/10/29/utah-jazz-2018-19-week-three-outlook-jazz-aim-to-continue-win-streak/3/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jokicni01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Nikola Jokic</a> is playing at an All-Star level. And former Jazzman <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/10/29/utah-jazz-2018-19-week-three-outlook-jazz-aim-to-continue-win-streak/3/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/millspa01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Paul Millsap</a> has been a steady veteran backbone for the rising team.</p>
<p>Oh yeah, and that’s not even taking into consideration that Denver is currently without <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/10/29/utah-jazz-2018-19-week-three-outlook-jazz-aim-to-continue-win-streak/3/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bartowi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Will Barton</a> and <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/10/29/utah-jazz-2018-19-week-three-outlook-jazz-aim-to-continue-win-streak/3/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/thomais02.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Isaiah Thomas</a> who are still recovering from injury. Once those two are back and presumably at their potential, this could be a dangerous team. They’ve proven as much already with a stellar 4-1 start. Sure, their lone loss to the Los Angeles Lakers was somewhat disappointing, but their other victories, including a gritty survival win over the Golden State Warriors, have been impressive.</p>
<p>Denver is never an easy place to play, and they’ve been a tough matchup for the Jazz in recent years. Utah has lost at the Pepsi Center four consecutive times the past two seasons, and may be hard-pressed to reverse their fate this time around.</p>
<p>That’s particularly true considering that this game will be taking place on the second night of a back-to-back for the Jazz. True, the flight from Salt Lake to Denver is easier than most, but the tired legs that could come after playing a physical Memphis team the night before could very well give Denver a significant edge.</p>
<p>This should be a very tightly-contested bout between two up-and-coming and formidable division rivals. However, between Denver’s staunch home court advantage, their recent success over the Jazz in the Mile High City and Utah’s back-to-back situation, I’m predicting that the red hot Nuggets will take the first contest between these two squads.</p>
<p><strong>My Prediction: Nuggets Win</strong></p>
<p><strong>Final Score: Denver 117, Utah 108</strong></p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="Utah Jazz beat Dallas for third straight win: What went right/wrong?" data-url="https://thejnotes.com/2018/10/28/utah-jazz-beat-dallas-third-straight-went-right-wrong/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background: #00265D" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/10/29/utah-jazz-2018-19-week-three-outlook-jazz-aim-to-continue-win-streak/3/"https://thejnotes.com/2018/10/28/utah-jazz-beat-dallas-third-straight-went-right-wrong/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> Utah Jazz beat Dallas for third straight win: What went right/wrong? </a> </div>
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<p>The third week of NBA action will be a vital testing ground for the Utah Jazz as they face a trio of daunting Western Conference foes, two of which are division rivals which could have major playoff implications down the road. Utah had a solid week last week, but they’ll have their work cut out for them as they aim to continue to assert their dominance and extend their current three-game winning streak into Week Three.</p><!—pageview_candidate—>">