Utah Jazz: Top 5 games to watch in 2018-19

3. Nov. 9, 2018 vs. Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics will travel to Salt Lake City during the early portion of the season in a game that could be both dynamic and highly anticipated. Both teams were dominant defensively last season, with the Jazz finishing the year second in defensive rating, and the Celtics first overall.

The potential lineup in Boston could be a scary proposition. Kyrie Irving, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Al Horford and Gordon Hayward could be one of the best starting fives in the entire league. The Celtics are one of the very few teams in the NBA that have a chance to topple the Golden State Warriors dynasty.

We will also get to see the growth of second year superstar players Mitchell and Tatum. Mitchell played well in both games against the Celtics last season, scoring 39 points across both contests. However, Tatum struggled in their first meeting last December, going 1-for-6 from the field and scoring only seven points. With both having a full season of experience, and Tatum’s explosion in the playoffs last season, it’ll be interesting to see who comes out on top in their matchup.

For the first time since he left Utah in questionable fashion, Hayward will be returning to Salt Lake City. Obviously fans were incensed at his departure, but his fellow teammates were also disappointed with how he handled the situation.

However, with his season-ending injury during opening night last year, how will fans at Vivint Smart Home Arena react? Will the crowd take it easy on Hayward since he lost last season due to injury, or will they boo him out of the building? We’ll find out Nov. 9.