4. Boston Celtics @ Utah Jazz – March 28th
Gordon Hayward returns to Utah. Hayward’s reception won’t be a warm one. Utah fans are known to be very passionate and they feel betrayed by Hayward. The Jazz are coming off one of their better seasons in years in which they were the 5th seed and advanced to the second round. However, with Hayward’s departure, the team takes a big step back. Utah will be in a battle to even make the playoffs.
This game is entirely centered around Hayward, if he does not play this game will lose all its drama. With the addition of Hayward, Boston’s core that already made the ECF can possibly take the crown this year. While Utah is going to need Rudy Gobert and the rest of the team to cover for Gordon’s offensive production, Boston will be the better team and should win, but the Jazz are a very gritty team that can steal one.
This matchup will be an interesting one to watch as Hayward will be booed unmercifully. However, it will be even more interesting to see how Hayward plays in reaction. Returns are always must-see but this one may get a little chippy. The game will be broadcasted on ESPN at 10:30 ET/7:30.