First off, apologies for the brief hiatus.  Last week was the first week of school and I had 2 court dates and a 3 day weekend that involved copious amounts of alcohol.  The Jazz, however, did play and both won and lost.  The Pacers game was a career game for Memo and was exciting to watch even on ESPN's gamecast.  However, the Jazz also accumulated 2 more road losses, including one to the Oklahoma City Thunder.  I feel a LITTLE better about this loss considering how much better they've been playing lately, but still...the Thunder?  The win at Memphis was expected, we seem to own them lately, but the loss at Dallas kinda stung after building a 12-point 2nd quarter lead and getting as close as 2 point in the 4th.  I think at this point in the season it's pointless to continue saying, "when we get healthy..."  This is our team, losses don't count for less and wins don't count for more, it is what it is.  I am a little more pessimistic about the team, but that's because it's clear that they're missing an x-factor.  There's SOMETHING that this team doesn't have that championship teams possess.  I can't describe what it is, but I know the Jazz don't have it.  Of course I would LOVE to be proven wrong, but I think most sane Jazz fans will agree that the team, as it is currently assembled, is likely head for a 2nd (or even 1st) round playoff loss.  I liken the Jazz to the Suns.  I think the Jazz have just as good a shot at the title as Phoenix does.  Either team could get hot, win 8 or 9 in a row and orchestrate a playoff upset or 2.  It's just not very likely.  That hasn't diminished my love for the Jazz though, I still schedule my day around games and do everything I can to attend them in person (I even shelled out some clams to get League Pass Broadband).  On to tonight...

The Jazz are 9 point favorites tonight against the Pesky Timberwolves.  The Jazz are riding a 6-game home win streak and the Wolves have, surprisingly, won 7 of 8 including 4 straight road wins.  Most recently the Wolves have knocked-off the Thunder by 42 and won in Phoenix by 2.  This makes me wonder if the Jazz can cover.  However, if we have a healthy Millsap and Deron gets that crazy look in his eye, it could be a 15 point game.

ESPN: 12 (-2)

FOX Sports:  9 (+6, but a week old)

SI:  11 (+1)

NBA.com:  13 (-3)

USA Today:  12 (+1)

BLOGGERS:  13 (no change)

High: 9  Low: 13  Average: 11.7

TWolves Blog

Comments (18)

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written by booner, January 20, 2009

Good to have you back Scrum. Thanks for putting this team in perspective. I have had a a difficult time with this team, this season and I have come to a realization that this '08-'09 Jazz team is what it is and it's not going to change anytime soon. So, I'll just have to roll with it. et's just hope, like Hammy's AZ Cardinals we peak at the right time and make a good run at the end of the season. Otherwise, I would not be shocked if we sit out this years off-season.
I would not pick the Jazz to cover. We have a hard time with this team and I will just be happy with a "W." Go Jazz.

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written by Booner, January 20, 2009

On a side note...I hate the Lakers...but watching Kobe last night dislocate his finger, go to the sideline, have it popped back in, and then finish the game made me wish Jazz players were like that. That happens to any Jazz man and they are out for weeks. Still hate them though...and you too Rockets.

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written by CB Jack, January 20, 2009

you too Nuggets...

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written by booner, January 20, 2009

good point C.B.

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written by Hammy, January 20, 2009

I have to agree with Scrum, we are who are at this point. We are not going to be in the discussion for best team in the west and the most we can hope for is to some how avoid the Lakers and Spurs in the playoffs. If all that happens and Boozer somehow grows a pair while he is on the mend we would have some hope, but until then lets just hope for another first round battle against the Rockets so we can see McGrady cry again.

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written by booner, January 20, 2009

That's if McDux decides he wants to play. You just never know when he is going to up and take a couple weeks off.

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written by hat3jazz, January 20, 2009

you are right about the jazz being weak. if boozer so much as gets a splinter hes out for 2 games. watching okc kick jazz butt was priceless.

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written by hat3jazz, January 20, 2009

and another thing...i notice tonight is family night and the energy arena where the jazz play. if every male jazz fan has 8 wives and probably 16 kids, how can the arena make money off that kind of bulk discount. lol! jazz suck.

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written by booner, January 20, 2009

First of all, you just lol'ed your own comment hatejazz. You truly are your own #1 fan. Second of all, you spend an awful lot of time researching the Jazz, their blogs, their players and aparantly the promotions held by the team during home games. I'm starting to think you are having an affair with the Jazz. I hope your own team doesn't find out.

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written by Scrumtrulescent, January 20, 2009

do not feed the trolls

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written by booner, January 20, 2009

Yes Sir.

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written by Karl Malone, January 20, 2009

Utah sucks and so do you!

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written by Theagreement, January 21, 2009

HAHA, anyone that seriously goes on a Jazz blog just to post factless, emotional outbursts must have some serious insecurities. I am betting most of these guys are Rockets fans-surely they have some insecurities when it comes to playing the Jazz.

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written by booner, January 21, 2009

I'm just excited Karl Malone reads our blog.

P.S. Theagreement has to be one of the best blog names ever. Nice work.

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written by Theagreement, January 21, 2009

Thanks for the compliment booner. (bunch of crap here that was deleted by TBJ) Go Jazz.

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written by CB Jack, January 21, 2009

Agreed. I agree that Theagreement is a great name.

Hey Karl.

That game last night was too close.....way too close.

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written by CB Jack, January 21, 2009

Wow. I take all my agreeing comments back.

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written by booner, January 21, 2009

What did you expect though? Jazz up by 12...seconds later....Jazz up by one. Minutes later, Jazz up by ten, next minute, Jazz up by two. We cannot put a team away. Oh and thanks AK. A Jazz game would not be complete without one of our brittle bone stars going down with an injury. Who is our conditioning coach. Good Lord. Fire him. (My apologies to the conditioning coach and his family. As long as you are doing your best that's all that matters.)

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