In the final days leading up to regular season action, SCH will be posting divisional previews of the top teams in all six NBA divisions. Come back early and often for updates.
J.R. is going to miss Carmelo
Key Matchups
D-Will vs Chauncey Billups
This very well could be the only key matchup of the season series between the Jazz and the Nuggets. With the likelihood of Carmelo being traded before the trade deadline this matchup could be the reason to come see this game.
Last regular season Chauncey Billups made the Jazz pay when he was healthy. He averaged 27 points, 3 assists, and 4 rebounds a game against Utah. In the playoffs, however, Deron Williams flipped a switch and became dominant in this matchup. Chauncey might as well have been a bowl of Wheaties because D-Will was eating him for breakfast in that series. Deron was averaging 26 points, 11 assists, and 3 rebounds a game. Chauncey still is a killer 3 point shooter but Deron Williams has taken his game to the elite level and is considered by most (including Tim Leglar) to be the best in the NBA. Chauncey has been with the olympic team training and competing all summer. That will wear him down as the season progresses.
Advantage: Deron Williams
