Utah Jazz vs Indiana Pacers Prediction: The Jazz are struggling a bit

The NBA Regular Season has now been on for around one and a half months, and the action brought to us has been incredible through and through. As we dig deeper, the scenarios will get only more tricky with both injuries and fatigue playing big roles. How will it be when Utah Jazz is going to take on the Indiana Pacers?

The Jazz will come into this game after defeating the LA Clippers 125:114 as Jordan Clarkson pulled in 33 points. This win came against the Clippers' team without Paul George and Kawhi Leonard and it broke a five-game losing streak too. They have won 13 and lost 11 thus far which is a far cry from their 10 wins and three losses start. They exceeded the expectations during the beginning of the season and the major reason for that has been Lauri Markkanen having a career year while a wide-ranged Guard unit bringing its impact.

The Jazz has been one of the best passing and long-range shooting teams thus far but they have looked leaner on the offensive end without their leading playmaker Mike Conley. Still, Clarkson and Markannen both are capable of exploding for big nights and sometimes the issue has been the team’s terrible defensive effort. Overall, the Jazz does have the depth but they are unraveling a bit lately and haven’t played at the level that they did early in the season. Will the management stick around with the current unit or make some big trades to enter the full-flow rebuild?

The Pacers come into this affair after suffering a huge 114:137 loss against the LA Clippers despite another 20+ points night by Jalen Smith. They have now lost three out of their last five games, two of the losses coming away from home. The daunting road trip is going to last four more games including this one. Overall, the Pacers have won 12 and lost nine which is much more than what was expected from this young team. Of course, the play of Tyrese Haliburton has been the major difference-maker.

He is averaging around 20 points and 10 assists, thus making a strong case for an All-Star berth in the early going. Buddy Hield has been a strong presence and apart from his much more efficient scoring, he has also been a strong rebounder and playmaker. Myles Turner has been a big influence as a floor-stretcher, rebounder, and defender. Jalen Smith has gotten it done as well whereas rookie Benedict Mathurin has showcased promise as an explosive scorer.

• Jazz: OUT: Rudy Gay, Mike Conley, Johnny Juzang;
• Pacers: OUT: Chris Duarte, Daniel Theis. QUESTIONABLE: Tyrese Haliburton

• Expected Leading Scorers: Lauri Markkanen(23+ Points), Jordan Clarkson(21-28 Points), Tyrese Haliburton(18-24 Points), Benedict Mathurin(17-24 Points);
• Expected Leading Rebounders: Lauri Markkanen(9-13 Rebounds), Jarred Vanderbilt(7-11 Rebounds), Myles Turner(7-10 Rebounds);
• Expected Leading Playmakers: Tyrese Haliburton(9-13 Assists), Jordan Clarkson(6-9 Assists).

The Jazz can be a tough squad to deal with at home and if Tyrese Haliburton doesn’t play then the Pacers’ chances are going to take a big hit. Defensively, both teams can be suspect at times and so there is a high likelihood of a shootout here. This can be a close battle if Haliburton plays but if he doesn’t I expect the Jazz to win big. Anyway, I am willing to take a chance on Jazz’s win regardless of Tyrese’s availability. I believe the scoreline prediction will be 120:113 in the favor of the Jazz.