Utah Jazz: Top Five Games to Mark on Your Calendar for 2016-17

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Apr 5, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) knocks the ball away from Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) during the first quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) knocks the ball away from Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) during the first quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

Wednesday, April 12th vs. San Antonio

Despite the fact that this is the last game of the 2016-17 season (a reason in and of itself to tune in), perhaps I’m being somewhat optimistic by classifying this game as a must-watch. However, not only is a game against San Antonio always a good time (well, when we’re not getting blown out that is), but being the last game of the season it could also potentially have major playoff implications.

The Jazz have a tough slate of games to end the season, playing San Antonio twice, Portland twice, as well as Golden State and the up-and-coming Minnesota Timberwolves.

Since we have no way of knowing where the Jazz’s record will be heading into those games or afterwards as they prepare for the final of the six against San Antonio, I think it’s only fair that we just go ahead and plan for this game to be an epic finale.

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Depending on the current standings, it’s quite possible that the Spurs, in typical Popovich-ian fashion, will be resting their starters. However, that doesn’t mean that this won’t be an important game for the Jazz as they try to secure a better seed or potentially even home court in the first round of the playoffs.

The Jazz have historically struggled against the Spurs, including losing all four contests last season. However, with this game taking place within the friendly confines of Vivint Smart Home Arena and with more veteran experience on their side this time around, it’s likely that the Jazz will be ready to bring it to the Spurs and hopefully topple them on their way to a playoff appearance.

Either way, this contest should be on every Jazz fan’s calendar as they say goodbye to the 2016-17 regular season and watch what will hopefully be Utah’s final test and preparation before entering the playoffs for the first time since 2012.

Next: Utah Jazz: Three Players to Watch This Season

So there you have it. If those five games alone don’t have you excited about the prospect of next season, then nothing will. While I’m positive that the Jazz will treat us to way more than five awesome games next year, make sure at the very least that you tune into these ones, and hopefully many more, as the Jazz make their push towards long-awaited postseason play.