USA Today via Reuters
Dec 12, 2020; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) prepares for their game against the Phoenix Suns at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 12, 2020; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) prepares for their game against the Phoenix Suns at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
The Utah Jazz take on the New York Knicks in an inter-conference matchup. The Jazz have been in fantastic form this season and currently have one of the best records in the NBA at 12-4. Donovan Mitchell is playing at an All-Star level so far, as is Rudy Gobert. The two players have proven to be pivotal for the franchise this season.
The Knicks have been very impressive this year. They currently hold an 8-10 record, a big turnaround from their previous years. Head coach Tom Thibodeau has improved the team’s defensive performance. Players like Julius Randle and RJ Barrett have been playing excellent, with Randle even getting All-Star considerations.
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With that in mind, let us take a look at the game between the Jazz and the Knicks
Utah Jazz – Team News
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 12, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) throws a pass beside Cleveland Cavaliers guard Isaac Okoro (35) in the fourth quarter at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
The Jazz is not without their injury concerns. However, most of the players ruled out are not key players for the team. Trent Forrest and Elijah Hughes have been listed as unavailable for the game. Whereas, the Jazz will have Derrick Favors back, who is listed as probable.
READ MORE: WATCH: Donovan Mitchell Maintains His Class Despite Shaquille O’Neal’s Insulting Remarks
Predicted Lineup: Mike Conley, Donovan Mitchell, Royce O’Neal, Bojan Bogdanovic, Rudy Gobert
New York Knicks
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 2, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; New York Knicks forward Julius Randle (30) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Domantas Sabonis (11) defends in the fourth quarter at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
The Knicks could see some players return to the lineup. Austin Rivers is listed as day-to-day for his injury, while Frank Ntilikina is listed as probable. However, Reggie Bullock will not be playing against the Jazz. Players like Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, and Mitchell Robinson are fully fit and expected to play.
READ MORE: Former NBA Champion Reveals Why New York Knicks are Succeeding in NBA 2020-21 Season
Predicted Lineup: Elfrid Payton, RJ Barrett, Alec Burks, Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson
Utah Jazz vs New York Knicks – Prediction
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 6, 2021; New York, New York, USA; Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (00) shoots over New York Knicks guard Austin Rivers (8) in the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Both teams have made improvements since the last season. The Knicks, prior to Tibs’ arrival, were a perennial lottery team. But now, he has transformed this team into an offensive and defensively efficient team. The Jazz, on the other hand, look like solid contenders in the Western Conference. The level of quality is still vastly different, so expect the Jazz to win.
Prediction: Utah Jazz continue their great form with a win over the rough-and-tumble New York Knicks
Who will win between the Knicks and the Jazz? Both teams have multiple All-Star contenders this year, and it will be an interesting clash of styles between the two teams.
