Utah Jazz vs New York Knicks Prediction: Jazz looks to make inroads

The NBA Regular Season is in the works and what a fascinating start to the season we have seen. The season has brought on many surprises and this has been one of the most promising starts. Therefore, the time is nigh for teams that are yet to get going. In this going, one of the sweet surprises Utah Jazz will take on the New York Knicks.

The Jazz comes into the game after losing 98:105 to the Philadelphia 76ers in one of the most inefficient games for them this season. They have won five games at home and are yet to lose at home, indicating their prowess at home. They were expected to go through a ton of struggles this season as they are in rebuilding mode but they have landed upon promising combinations. Lauri Markkanen has been having a career year while the deep guard rotations have been baring their fangs.

Jordan Clarkson, Mike Conley, Colin Sexton, Malik Beasley, and Talen Horton-Tucker form a quartet that has shot-creators, off-the-ball shooters, and promising defenders. This combination has aided both the outside shooting and the driving game. Jarred Vanderbilt has given tremendous defense and rebounding which has helped the cause. Jazz has been performing in great ways but let us see if they are capable of holding onto the start that they have created.

The Knicks lost 135:145 despite a 26 points performance by Cam Reddish in what was a disappointing defensive performance. The Knicks have had a slow start with seven losses and six wins. This is again a slow start and reminiscent of the last season when the Knicks looked down and out. The Knicks are one of the worst three-point shooting teams in the league and even bringing in Jalen Brunson hasn’t addressed their shooting woes from deep. One big issue has been that RJ Barrett’s game has’ taken the expected leap and Barrett and Brunson are shooting just around 30%.

Julius Randle’s numbers are down compared to the previous seasons whereas apart from Randle, Barrett, and Brunson, the team’s scoring is thin and Evan Fournier's shooting woes have carried from the last season. Derrick Rose hasn’t been that impactful while Forward Obi Toppin has shown some promise. Isaiah Hartenstein has been doing a great job on the boards whereas Immanuel Quickley has been decent. Can the Knicks further their campaign in a more promising way?

• Knicks: OUT: Mitchell Robinson;
• Jazz: No news to report as such.

• Expected Leading Scorers: Lauri Markkanen (21-27 Points), Julius Randle(21-26 Points), Jalen Brunson(20-25 Points);
• Expected Leading Rebounders: Julius Randle(9-12 Rebounds), Lauri Markkanen(9-12 Rebounds);
• Expected Leading Playmakers: Mike Conley(8-11 Assists), Jalen Brunson(7-10 Assists).

The Jazz has been in an amazing tone at home. The Knicks have been doing a decent job on the offensive end whereas their defense hasn’t been that tight. The Jazz isn’t an elite defensive unit by any means but you wouldn’t want to get in shootout scenarios against them. Coming back home, I expect a high-level play from Jazz and a win here. I see the total points range in 228-238.