Warriors vs Jazz: An Important Game That Cannot Be Overlooked
After this past week, the Warriors need to turn the page. The Golden State has a chance to snap their three-game losing skid as they get ready to welcome the Jazz to town on Monday night. Utah themselves are struggling to find rhythm in this 2025-2026 season, having won just three out of their last 10 contests. They currently sit three places behind the Warriors in the Western Conference standings, and have a poor 1-7 record away from Delta Center. While signs hint towards a favorable matchup, the 2022 NBA Champions can’t overlook a desperate opponent. In truth, not much is expected from this current Jazz roster, but this trap game can really hurt Golden State if they’re already looking ahead to Wednesday, when they’ll play against the Rockets.
Last time these two teams met, Utah won a thrilling high-scoring match 131-128. Stephen Curry had led all scorers with 32 points, while averaging 25.2 points in his last five games against the team from Salt Lake City. Prior to this meeting back in February 2025, the Warriors had won seven in a row versus the Jazz, enjoying themselves against this particular opponent. However, these two teams certainly look different now.
From the Jazz’s side, the team has since parted ways with both Jordan Clarkson and John Collins, two of their top offensive producers from last year. Will Hardy’s team is also without the services of center Walker Kessler, who had started his season on a tear, averaging 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game. He unfortunately had to be shut down for the rest of the year two weeks ago after undergoing surgery on his left shoulder. The “Dubs” have replaced Kevon Looney with Al Horford since, and have made no additional “big moves.”
As far as expectations on how this contest will go, the Warriors will be the better-rested team. They haven’t played anyone since their Friday loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, while Utah will compete in their second game in as many evenings. In terms of matchups, Golden State shouldn’t have much trouble containing the 22nd-ranked offense, with one exception: Lauri Markkanen. The Finnish machine has scored just under 35 points on average over his last five games, as he continues to catch eyes and ring phones around the NBA in the midst of his prime.
Offensively, I wouldn’t be surprised if coach Steve Kerr’s guys score at least 125 points tomorrow night, and that’s because the Jazz haven’t shown an ability to stop anyone. With a defensive rating that ranks 27th in the league, the team's struggles seem to have no end, especially on the interior. This is the perfect opportunity for Golden State to both justify their high defensive rating and gain some momentum on offense. This should be a comfortable, back-on-track win for the home team, which will serve them well ahead of Houston.
