The Western Conference leading Utah Jazz head to Atlanta to take on the Hawks with tip off scheduled for 7:30pm EST.

Utah comes in as the surprise of the season. A team that many forcasted to tank and loss most of their games has taken the league by storm. This is a team that doesn’t quit and fights for every possession. It’s still early but the Jazz seem like a team that isn’t going to go away. They currently have a record of 9-3.

The Hawks come in with a record of 7-3 and are on a three game win streak. They have been playing well so far this year and it’s behind the play of their star players. Atlanta can score with the best of them around the NBA but their defense has been a questionmark for some time.

How Utah can win: They just need to keep following the formula that has got them to this point. They are surprising everyone and if they can keep it up, will be one of the better stories in the NBA in a long time.

Forward Lauri Markkanen has helped carry this team, averaging 21.9 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. His growth as a player has been noticed greatly and it’s helping contribute to wins on the court.

How Atlanta can win: The Hawks are avergaing 116.5 points per game on 46.9 percent shooting while allowing 113.6 points per game on 45.1 percent shooting. Against this Jazz team, the defense is going to need to really step up and get stops.

Trae Young and Dejounte Murray have led this Hawks squad, both averaging over 20 points per game. They give Atlanta a lethal offensive attack and one that many teams can’t seem to figure out.

Prediction: Atlanta Hawks 121, Utah Jazz 116

I think the Hawks find a way to take this game from Utah. Being at home should allow them some advantage and the crowd will help get them a victory.