The Hive Sports

by Daniel Olsen

October is here and that means it’s time for the Utah Jazz to come back in action. While the team has had an extreme makeover, here is one game to see every month in preparation for the All-Star game returning to Salt Lake City for the first time in 30 years.

1. Jazz vs. Grizzlies: October 31

There are two chances in 48 hours leading up to Hallow’s Eve to see the spooky talents of MVP contender Ja Morant take on the new-look Utah Jazz. A year removed from the first round loss to the Jazz as a #8 seed, the Grizzlies blossomed with a #2 seed of their own and advancing to the second round to fall to the eventual champion Golden State Warriors in six games.

Jazz fans can dress up in approved Halloween costumes to watch their team either on Saturday, October 29, or on Monday – Halloween night. Both games will take place at 7 p.m. MT.

2. Jazz vs. Lakers: November 7

By the time November hits, it might be time to fully accept how much the Jazz will struggle with their young team. However, it will be fun to see how they can compete with other teams in similar situations. It is ironic that their biggest rival, the Los Angeles Lakers, missed the playoffs last year despite having two former MVPs and another All-Star on their team. Russell Westbrook, LeBron James and Anthony Davis had trouble staying healthy, going 11-10 in their only 21 games played together.

Jazz fans can see their team take on King James and the Lake Show on Monday, November 7, 2022 at 8:15 p.m. MT at Vivint Arena.

3. Jazz vs. T-Wolves (Welcome back Rudy): December 9

Perhaps no former Jazz player will receive a greater standing ovation than three-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert. The 7’1” player from France helped the Jazz make it to six straight postseason appearances, and was selected to three NBA All-Star games.

The Jazz will welcome Rudy back to Vivint Arena on Friday, December 9, 2022. The game will start at 7 p.m. MT.

4. Jazz vs. Cavs (Welcome back Donovan): January 10

January 10, 2023 will be another reunion of sorts as the Jazz will welcome Donovan Mitchell, three-time NBA All-Star, back to Salt Lake City. The game will be significant as Mitchell recently admitted to not playing defense like he is capable of. This drew the ire of so fans as many are aware Donovan struggled on that end, possibly costing his team some crucial wins.

Overall, the Donovan Mitchell era had its successes. He was the focal point of the number one offense and a piece of the number one defense. A bridge in Salt Lake City was named after him. He released three issues of his D.O.N. signature Adidas shoe while on the Jazz, and his fourth one comes out this month.

Perhaps his best on-court moment is when he, as a rookie, helped the Jazz beat a star-studded Oklahoma City Thunder team in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. That team included Paul George, Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony. Mitchell helped clinch the series in Game 6 with a team high 38 points.

There may be a smattering of boos, but also plenty of cheers for his accomplishments.

5. Celebrity All-Star Game: February

There are slim pickings for home games in February before the All-Star Game. The Jazz will have a four game home stand featuring the Toronto Raptors, Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks, and the Minnesota Timberwolves. They will then head on a four game road stretch on the east coast before heading back for the All-Star break.

While Trae Young, Luka Doncic, and another welcome back Rudy Gobert game are fun draws, the NBA All-Star Game has come to Utah only once thirty years ago. Many fans might not be able to get this opportunity again. While the NBA All-Star Game is quite expensive, there are other events that weekend that should be fun for everyone.

One of these traditions is the Celebrity All-Star game. Starting in 2003, this game has drawn attention of millions of fans looking to see their favorite famous person in the lineup. Upper bowl tickets for this event can be purchased for $200. For NBA fans traveling in, a $99 add-on package could be a fun option for a mascot breakfast.

Hopefully, these game options will be good opportunities for Jazz fans to get a glimpse of the new team while also getting the chance to be entertained by impressive competition.

Featured image via NBA