SALT LAKE CITY, UT – MARCH 30: Donovan Mitchell #45 and Jae Crowder #99 of the Utah Jazz react during game against the Memphis Grizzlies on March 30, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Utah Jazz find themselves in a promising spot in the Western Conference standings as they head into an important three-game slate in Week 25.
Last week didn’t exactly go quite as I had imagined for the Utah Jazz, but at the end of the day, they earned the most important victory on Sunday, and that’s what matters the most. The Jazz failed to take advantage of a massive opportunity to move up in the standings when they faced off against a decimated Boston Celtics team on Wednesday and ultimately lost in heartbreaking fashion after giving up a 9-0 run to close out the game.
They then had a too close for comfort win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday followed up by a convincing victory over the division rival Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday which elevated the Jazz to sixth in the Western Conference. I had actually predicted the Jazz to go undefeated last week, so my projections record was identical to Utah’s record for the week of 2-1. For those keeping track at home, that put me at 43-34 on the year while the Jazz moved up to 44-33.
The fact that Utah is in sixth place in the West at this juncture of the season isn’t too shabby whatsoever, especially considering their spotty play prior to Sunday’s bout and that they were nine games under .500 back in January. However, with five games remaining in the season, there’s still no questioning that Utah has work to do, and that work will begin with yet another critical week ahead.
The Jazz will play strictly teams from Los Angeles in a trio of contests in Week 25, as they’ll host the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday and the LA Clippers on Thursday before finishing off the week with a rematch against the Lakers at Staples Center on Sunday. The Lakers have enjoyed some success since the turn of the calendar year and have played spoiler on a number of occasions, so Utah will need to be wary for those contests.
Meanwhile, the Clippers are still in the playoff hunt, but sitting at two games out of eighth place with five games left, all of which are against challenging opponents, their postseason outlook is certainly grim. Nevertheless, expect them to still fight hard as they aim to preserve any chance they have left of breaking into the top eight.
With that backdrop set, let’s take a closer look at each of the three contests the Utah Jazz have ahead in Week 25 of NBA action.
Utah Jazz</a>, but at the end of the day, they earned the most important victory on Sunday, and that’s what matters the most. The Jazz failed to take advantage of a massive opportunity to move up in the standings when they faced off against a decimated Boston Celtics team on Wednesday and ultimately lost in heartbreaking fashion after giving up a 9-0 run to close out the game.</p>
<p>They then had a too close for comfort win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday followed up by a convincing victory over the division rival Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday which elevated the Jazz to sixth in the Western Conference. I had <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/02/utah-jazz-2017-18-week-25-outlook-predictions/"https://thejnotes.com/2018/03/27/utah-jazz-2017-18-week-24-outlook-predictions/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter%22>actually predicted the Jazz to go undefeated last week</a>, so my projections record was identical to Utah’s record for the week of 2-1. For those keeping track at home, that put me at 43-34 on the year while the Jazz moved up to 44-33.</p>
<p>The fact that Utah is in sixth place in the West at this juncture of the season isn’t too shabby whatsoever, especially considering their spotty play prior to Sunday’s bout and that they were nine games under .500 back in January. However, with five games remaining in the season, there’s still no questioning that Utah has work to do, and that work will begin with yet another critical week ahead.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Utah Jazz 2017-18 Week 24 Outlook, Predictions <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/02/utah-jazz-2017-18-week-25-outlook-predictions/"https://t.co/dglg14lsgh">https://t.co/dglg14lsgh <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/02/utah-jazz-2017-18-week-25-outlook-predictions/"https://t.co/bgE6jAnAq8">pic.twitter.com/bgE6jAnAq8
<p>— The J-Notes (@TheJNotes) <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/02/utah-jazz-2017-18-week-25-outlook-predictions/"https://twitter.com/TheJNotes/status/978781725852495872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>March 27, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>The Jazz will play strictly teams from Los Angeles in a trio of contests in Week 25, as they’ll host the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday and the LA Clippers on Thursday before finishing off the week with a rematch against the Lakers at Staples Center on Sunday. The Lakers have enjoyed some success since the turn of the calendar year and have played spoiler on a number of occasions, so Utah will need to be wary for those contests.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the Clippers are still in the playoff hunt, but sitting at two games out of eighth place with five games left, all of which are against challenging opponents, their postseason outlook is certainly grim. Nevertheless, expect them to still fight hard as they aim to preserve any chance they have left of breaking into the top eight.</p>
<p>With that backdrop set, let’s take a closer look at each of the three contests the Utah Jazz have ahead in Week 25 of NBA action.</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/2018/04/02/utah-jazz-2017-18-week-25-outlook-predictions/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 4/3 vs. Los Angeles Lakers </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 30: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers is introduced prior to the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on March 30, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>4/3 Utah vs. Los Angeles Lakers</h3>
<p><strong>7:00 pm MT – AT&T SportsNet/League Pass</strong></p>
<p><strong>Opponent record: 33-43</strong></p>
<p><strong>Season series: Jazz lead 1-0</strong></p>
<p>It’s been a long time since the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Lakers have seen one another, as their only contest of the season thus far came back on October 28 while the season was still young. The Jazz were able to win that contest quite handily by a score of 96-81, but of course a lot has changed for both teams since that point.</p>
<p>After a poor start to the season which saw the Lakers go just 11-24, they began to turn it around in a big way at the start of 2018. They went 8-7 in January and an impressive 7-3 in February before coming back down to earth in March by going 7-8. They’ve recently lost seven of their last ten and seem to be reverting back to the norm that we saw at the beginning of the season.</p>
<p>They’re coming off a disappointing loss to the Sacramento Kings on Sunday and haven’t defeated a team in the current playoff mix since they surprised the Cleveland Cavaliers back on March 11. Still, the Lakers boast plenty of young talent and mustn’t be overlooked. <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/02/utah-jazz-2017-18-week-25-outlook-predictions/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/randlju01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Julius Randle</a> and rookie phenom <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/02/utah-jazz-2017-18-week-25-outlook-predictions/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/kuzmaky01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Kyle Kuzma</a> have been particularly exceptional of late and Utah will need to keep them both in check.</p>
<div class="embed "><iframe loading="lazy" width="500" height="281" src=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/02/utah-jazz-2017-18-week-25-outlook-predictions/"https://www.youtube.com/embed/PkwW4vVugQs?feature=oembed%22 frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>The Lakers are out of playoff contention, but are too far above the tanking teams in the standings to be concerned with dropping games to improve their draft pick, so expect them to continue to play hard for pride and to allow their young starters to keep garnering valuable NBA experience. The Jazz boast a much deeper and more talented team, particularly with injuries to Lakers players <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/02/utah-jazz-2017-18-week-25-outlook-predictions/"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> and <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/02/utah-jazz-2017-18-week-25-outlook-predictions/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/i/ingrabr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Brandon Ingram</a>, but if caught unaware, the contest could result in a disappointing loss.</p>
<p>Fortunately, I don’t foresee that happening. Not only have the Lakers been slumping of late, but the Jazz appeared refocused and re-energized in Sunday’s victory over the Timberwolves. If they’re able to maintain that same level of play back on their home court on Tuesday, they should easily be able to topple a lackluster Lakers team.</p>
<p><strong>My Prediction: Jazz Win</strong></p>
<p><strong>Final Score: Utah 106, Los Angeles 94</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/2018/04/02/utah-jazz-2017-18-week-25-outlook-predictions/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 4/5 vs. LA Clippers </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 27: Tobias Harris #34 of the LA Clippers reacts to a play during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on March 27, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>4/5 Utah vs. LA Clippers</h3>
<p><strong>7:00 pm MT – AT&T SportsNet/League Pass</strong></p>
<p><strong>Opponent record: 41-36</strong></p>
<p><strong>Season series: Jazz lead 2-1</strong></p>
<p>The LA Clippers are a team that I’ve counted out on several occasions this season, yet they’ve managed to surprise me multiple times. Perhaps they’ll be able to do so once again, but after a costly loss to the Indiana Pacers on Sunday, I feel quite comfortable saying that their playoff hopes are all but dashed.</p>
<p>With just five games remaining in which they’ll take on the San Antonio Spurs, Utah Jazz, Denver Nuggets, New Orleans Pelicans and Los Angeles Lakers, they have to find a way to make up the two games by which they trail the eighth place Pels. It’s still mathematically possible, but to say it’s a long-shot would be a vast understatement.</p>
<p>Still, when looking solely at the individual matchup between Utah and LA on Thursday, this is a game in which the Jazz will need to be extremely cautious. Especially if the Clippers find a way to beat San Antonio in their first game of the week, this is going to be one heck of a hungry and desperate team. That could spell serious danger for the Jazz if the Clippers are determined and fighting for their playoff lives.</p>
<p>Fortunately, the game will also have great significance for Utah’s playoff positioning as well, so expect them to be just as hungry as LA, if not more so. The Jazz played well in their last two contests against the Clippers, earning double-figure victories in both, but the team looks somewhat different now than it did then after trading away <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/02/utah-jazz-2017-18-week-25-outlook-predictions/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/griffbl01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Blake Griffin</a> to the Detroit Pistons.</p>
<p>https://twitter.com/LAClippers/status/980640966318141440</p>
<p>The newcomer they’ll have to watch out for the most is <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/02/utah-jazz-2017-18-week-25-outlook-predictions/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/harrito02.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Tobias Harris</a> who has been exceptional in a Clippers uniform. Since joining the squad, he’s averaging 19.5 points per game on 47.9 percent shooting from the field and 43 percent from deep. He’s proven himself as a versatile offensive weapon and could be a major impact player for the Clippers in seasons to come.</p>
<p>Perennial sixth man of the year contender <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/02/utah-jazz-2017-18-week-25-outlook-predictions/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/willilo02.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Lou Williams</a> is another foe that the Jazz will have to keep tabs on as well. He continues to shine this season putting up 22.6 points per game.</p>
<p>But while the Clippers have been dangerous this season, defeating some formidable opponents and remaining in the playoff hunt far longer than I expected them to, especially after the Griffin trade that many presumed was intended as a tank job, I like Utah’s chances in this bout. Across the board, Utah seems to match up well against the Clips, particularly down low in the battle between <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/02/utah-jazz-2017-18-week-25-outlook-predictions/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/goberru01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Rudy Gobert</a> and <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/02/utah-jazz-2017-18-week-25-outlook-predictions/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jordade01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">DeAndre Jordan</a>.</p>
<p>Not only that, but Utah enjoys significantly more depth than LA, although it should be noted that the likes of <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/02/utah-jazz-2017-18-week-25-outlook-predictions/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/harremo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Montrezl Harrell</a> and former Jazzman <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/02/utah-jazz-2017-18-week-25-outlook-predictions/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/wallaty01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Tyrone Wallace</a> have been playing quite well of late. Still, barring a flat-footed or unfocused performance by the Jazz, I think they’ll have the edge in this one. They are oh so close to clinching a playoff spot, and winning this contest could keep the Clippers off their heels for good, so I believe they’ll come out motivated to earn a nice victory.</p>
<p><strong>My Prediction: Jazz Win</strong></p>
<p><strong>Final Score: Utah 98, Los Angeles 93</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/2018/04/02/utah-jazz-2017-18-week-25-outlook-predictions/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 4/8 Utah at Los Angeles Lakers </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">NEW ORLEANS, LA – MARCH 22: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the first half against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on March 22, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>4/8 Utah at Los Angeles Lakers</h3>
<p><strong>4:00 pm MT – AT&T SportsNet/League Pass</strong></p>
<p><strong>Opponent record: 33-43</strong></p>
<p><strong>Season series: Jazz lead 1-0</strong></p>
<p>As I mentioned, the Utah Jazz will close out the week by facing the Los Angeles Lakers once again. The only difference this time around is that the game will be played on the road. Surprisingly enough, that actually isn’t necessarily a bad thing for Utah as they’ve been exceptional away from home of late, winning 14 of their last 15 road contests.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Remember when the Jazz were one of the worst road teams in the NBA? </p>
<p>Since January 1, they're the best road team in the NBA, with the best per-possession defense and the 5th-best per-possession offense.</p>
<p>— Ben Dowsett (@Ben_Dowsett) <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/04/02/utah-jazz-2017-18-week-25-outlook-predictions/"https://twitter.com/Ben_Dowsett/status/980662685862735872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>April 2, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>Again, the Lakers have shown plenty of signs of life and should play with energy, but combine Utah’s success away from home with how much more they’ll have at stake in this contest than the Lakers, and I believe they’ll find the motivation to earn yet another victory over a Los Angeles team in their third and final contest of the week.</p>
<p><strong>My Prediction: Jazz Win</strong></p>
<p><strong>Final Score: Utah 110, Los Angeles 102</strong></p>
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