New York Knicks vs Utah Jazz Prediction: Combined Starting 5 featuring Donovan Mitchell and Julius Randle

Small Forward - RJ Barrett (New York Knicks)

New York Knicks vs Portland Trail Blazers

The New York Knicks have surprised the league with their incredible performances and unexpected victories.

RJ Barrett is one of the players responsible for the sudden turnaround in the New York Knicks' fortunes this season. He has increased his attempts and improved his efficiency while shooting while improving significantly at the defensive side of the floor as well.

RJ Barrett tonight:28 points 5 assists 10/17 FG2/3 3PT Knicks at .500 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Rvzvc0JXBT

— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) January 22, 2021

Barrett provides roughly 20 points while also grabbing seven boards a game.

He is averaging 22/6/4 on 51/39/87 shooting in his last five games.

Power Forward - Julius Randle (New York Knicks)

New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers

Julius Randle's could be playing his first All-Star season. He has been key in the New York Knicks' current run, as he is averaging a career-high 23 points per game on 51% efficiency while also grabbing a career-high 11 rebounds per game.

Randle entered the league with no outside shot but now drains at least two threes a game on 35% shooting.

Julius Randle on triple-double watch AGAIN 👀He's got 16 PTS // 8 REB // 7 AST pic.twitter.com/DV51ALraZ6

— KNICKS ON MSG (@KnicksMSGN) January 22, 2021

Randle is currently third in the league in 4th-quarter points, just behind Kevin Durant and Zach LaVine, and also led the league in rebounds last week.

Center - Rudy Gobert (Utah Jazz)

Utah Jazz vs Denver Nuggets - Game Five

Rudy Gobert is one of the best centers in the league and a two-time Defensive Player of the Year,.

He is currently second in the league in rebounds (13.5 per game) and blocks (2.7 per game). The Frenchman is ideal for pick-and-roll situations, as he can either drive to the basket or make a pass out to a shooter from the post.

this sequence from Rudy: block, tough rebound, jam 😍#TakeNote | @rudygobert27 pic.twitter.com/yicHuRwtDl

— utahjazz (@utahjazz) January 18, 2021

If Rudy Gobert continues his production on the floor during the season, he might be in the conversation to win his third Defensive Player of the Year award.

Also, Read: 1 player the Utah Jazz could sign before the NBA Trade Deadline to become Western Conference contenders.