Because doing predictions before the season tips off is just so, well, cliche' I held mine for this week. Here are five (with more to come later — unless they're off, of course):

Nobody will get hurt after first 25 seconds

Technically, I might have airballed this wishful-thinking called shot. Mehmet Okur's ankle and knee were probably injured 23 seconds into the season-opener, but he's 211 centimeters tall so it took a while — but not as long as converting 6-foot-11-inches into the metric system — for the big Turk to fall, fortunately. Um, fortunately he's doing better, that is. (Disclaimer: Pre-existing conditions, including all sprains, strains, pulls, contusions, broken bones, turf toe, inflammations, ruptures, chronic knee and ankle injuries, tears or anything else that flares up when players collide, slip, land funky, dive, wake up wrong, etc., do not count against this optimistic prediction of health for a team needing some good luck — and better insurance — after being afflicted by ailments this past year.) The fact the Jazz haven't had any injuries in the 95 minutes and 36 seconds of PT since Okur went down 24 seconds into Game 1 solidifies this claim's validity.

Jazz road record: Better, but not 41-0

How much better is better? Well, based on last year's 15-26 road results, anything 16 and above falls into that better category. FYI, the Jazz won franchise-best 26 away games during their two NBA Finals years. Let's stick with the original harder-to-quantify-but-easier-to-get-right prediction of "better." History-based bonus call: They'll go to Finals with 26 road Ws.

MoTab choir will perform Haka at Jazz game

The famous group almost pulled through but opted to sing national anthem instead. They've got 40 more chances to get their full act together. If this can't convince you to attend games to be there when it happens, nothing will. OK, Deron Williams and his teammates, a Hall of Fame coach, Bear, Jazz dancers and free confetti after wins just might, but nothing else will.

2 more Jazz guys will head to Hall of Fame

A no-brainer: Following the recent induction of Jerry Sloan and John Stockton, it only makes sense another legend from a small school will be enshrined into hoops immortality. And, indeed, Kyle Korver will become part of the Missouri Valley Conference Athletics Hall of Fame next spring. Another fearless forecast: Karl Malone will also get a Naismith Hall call.

Boozer will be long gone on trade deadline