Fresh off of a two game losing streak where they averaged 76.5 ppg, the Jazz welcome arguably the NBA’s best team, the San Antonio Spurs into the ESA. This is not a must-win game, but it is the biggest game yet to be played on the schedule. There is a lot riding on this game for how early it is in the season.

Foremost, the Jazz can not afford a three game losing streak if they want to maintain their identity as a contender in the West. Elite teams do not follow an eight game winning streak with a three game losing streak. This is an especially tough week for the Jazz, and losing three of four would not be a huge surprise, but if they are an elite team, they will dig out a couple of wins. With the strength of the Western Conference this year, every week will be a test and if they can’t get it done now, they might not all year.

Even with the incredible start, I am not yet sold that this team is elite…yet. I think the talent is there, but the cohesive experience is not. I still say the Jazz win 48 games this year, are the scariest team in this years playoffs and make a real championship run next year and a few years after that. It has been fun to see an early preview of what Jazz fans can expect and look forward to.

As for tonight, Ginobili is questionable for the game with a bruised back. That really makes this game winnable. I am curious to see where they put Kirilenko on defense. I would personally like to see him man up Duncan. I don’t think Sloan has ever tried it but I really think he could give Duncan trouble. Rasheed Wallace guards Duncan as well as anyone because of his length. AK has the same length, but jumps a lot faster and is much quicker on the perimeter. AK is not as strong and may have a difficult time down low, but I really think he could handle it.

I would also like to see Ronnie Brewer start the game guarding Tony Parker. Brewer is the best athlete on the team and has the quickness to stay with him. I really think he could make it a very long night for him.

If the Jazz were to take this defensive approach, that would leave Williams guarding Finley and Boozer guarding Bowen. Neither of these are unfavorable matchups considering the upside.

I think the Jazz will win tonight. There is too much to lose otherwise. The Spurs are a tough, championship team and will not go down easily, especially because they will be trying to avoid their second consecutive loss. In the end, I look for Memot to have a huge game, as he always does against the Spurs, as they have no one to guard him. I also think Williams will come out with something to prove.

Jazz 103, Spurs 98.