Tonight the Utah Jazz (8-7) will try to shock the world by beating the Golden State Warriors (18-0). It's going to be interesting for sure. The Jazz beat the Warriors in Utah last season 110-100. So this core can beat that core. Both teams are suffering about the same number of injuries, no starters Dante Exum or Harrison Barnes. And all-time the Dubs are 20-65 in the #801. Of course, they could just as easily win tonight and go 19-0. That's very possible. Rather, it's highly probable. But it's not a sure thing. One thing that it a sure thing is that it's the possible revenge games for both Ian Clark and Brandon Rush. Clark is the non- Evan Fournier BFF of Jazz center Rudy Gobert. And ironically, Rush is the guy who gave Rudy the hardest time out of all the vets. (Their social media back and forth was fun to watch from the sidelines.)
The Jazz and Warriors play four times this season. Tonight is just the first one, though I think at least three of these four games will be close this year. I don't have a good reason to believe that, though. It's just a feeling. Earlier today we looked at how these two teams have played over the last 40 years (link), and why I do fear the Warriors (link). Be sure to also check out our sister site Golden State Of Mind for the Championship level coverage they do of their beloved Warriors.
One thing that really surprised me was, frankly, the Dubs just aren't killing it right now despite being 'oh-so' popular right now. Behold:
Seriously, what's up with that? Usually teams that win the title have way more fans all over the country than that. I am certain we're going to see way more Warriors jerseys in the cheap seats today than we've seen over the last two decades of Jazz / Warriors play. But hey, some people just like to go with who's on top right now.
Starters:
- PG: Stephen Curry vs. Raul Neto
- SG: Klay Thompson vs. Rodney Hood
- SF: Brandon Rush vs. Gordon Hayward
- PF: Draymond Green vs. Derrick Favors
- C: Andrew Bogut vs. Rudy Gobert
Key Bench:
- Shaun Livingston vs. Trey Burke
- Andre Iguodala vs. Alec Burks
- Marreese Speights vs. Trevor Booker
- Festus Ezeli vs. Jeff Withey
Injuries:
- Harrison Barnes (GSW starter) -- OUT
Dante Exum (UTA starter) -- OUT - Rodney Hood (UTA starter) -- probable, back spasms
- Raul Neto (UTA inj replacement starter) -- should be good to go
- Trey Burke (UTA) -- should be good to go
I'm excited for this game. I can't hide it.
GO JAZZ GO!
Poll
Who is going to win tonight?
This poll is closed
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55%
(Road team) Warriors (18-0)
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44%
(Home team) Jazz (8-7)