Utah Jazz Week Three Outlook, Predictions

11/9 Utah at Charlotte

5:00 pm MT – Root Sports/League Pass

Opponent record: 4-1

Season series: Tied 0-0

The Charlotte Hornets have gotten off to a surprisingly good 4-1 start with their only loss coming to a formidable Celtics team by a mere six points. While they haven’t had any victories that could be considered a statement win, per se, they’ve looked good in their four wins even though the two most recent ones came against the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers.

The key for the Jazz to be able to beat the Hornets will be slowing down Kemba Walker who has been far and away their best player so far this year. Walker is averaging a stout 26.3 points per game on the season. Even Nicolas Batum, the second leading scorer, comes in much lower at 15.5.

And the bad news is that Walker has been historically very effective against the Jazz. In last season’s double overtime victory over Utah, Kemba posted a career-high and franchise-high 52 points.

However, this time around the Jazz will have experienced and formidable George Hill to slow down Kemba Walker as well as Dante Exum waiting in reserve. It’s also reassuring that while the Jazz lost a double overtime thriller to the Hornets last year on the road, Utah was able to manhandle them in the next contest at home by a score of 102-73.

Nevertheless, the Hornets boast a great deal of solid talent and a tremendous coach in Steve Clifford. This game will be much more challenging than the games against the Knicks and Sixers and especially on the road, Utah will have to be at their best to win.

But I also think that Charlotte’s 4-1 record is a bit misleading. Utah is a more daunting match-up than any of the teams that the Hornets have played so far (except arguably the Celtics) and while it will very likely be a tightly contested game, I believe the Jazz will find a way to come out on top.

My Prediction: Jazz Win

Final Score: Utah 89, Charlotte 86