1) Injuries
Dante Exum won’t play a single minute this season. Alec Burks has missed 34 games (and counting) this season. Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert have both sat out over 15 games this season. When four of your six best players have missed significant time, winnable games are going to be lost.
The Jazz have been hamstrung all season and, due to injuries, have been forced to play some wonky lineups. Chemistry and continuity have taken a hit. Responsibilities have been shifted and the team hasn’t been able to fill the void(s). The result: a 29-33 record going into tomorrow’s game against the Atlanta Hawks.
Jazz are fun to watch. Young and energetic. If it weren't for a bunch of injuries early on this team is firmly in a playoff spot. IMO
— Greg Gaston (@Greg_Gaston) March 5, 2016
Favors and Gobert are back, but Burks’ return remains up in the air and the damage to the team’s playoff chances may already be done.
Next: No. 2: Point Guard Play