Utah Jazz: Northwest Division Comparison – November

Oct 19, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Maurice Harkless (4) defends against Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) during the first quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Maurice Harkless (4) defends against Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) during the first quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
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Oct 25, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Allen Crabbe (23) drives on Utah Jazz guard Shelvin Mack (8) in the first half at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Allen Crabbe (23) drives on Utah Jazz guard Shelvin Mack (8) in the first half at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

Utah Jazz

Current Record: 1-2

Standings: 4th in Division, 10th in Conference

Well, I won’t spend too much time beating a dead horse on this Utah Jazz team as I’ve already looked at how much they still have left to improve, how I think they’ll do this week and their keys to a victory against a tough San Antonio team.

However, one thing I will say is that November is sizing up to be a very tough, but very critical month for the Jazz. With nine of their 16 November games on the road and with Gordon Hayward out until about midway through the month, Jazz fans might be in for a brutal stretch.

Nevertheless, I for one, despite being admittedly a little concerned, am remaining cautiously optimistic. It’s a long 82-game season and there is still plenty of time for the Jazz to get on track.

Though the Jazz may be stuck around third or fourth in the division throughout the month of November, there’s a good chance they’ll be able to bounce back the following month where they’ll play 11 of 15 games at home.

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By that time there should also be more cohesion, more chemistry and more familiarity with the offense. And with so much depth, a proven coach in Quin Snyder and a defense that has shown the past two years that, when healthy, it is one of the best in the league, all signs indicate that this is still a Jazz team that is primed for a playoff berth this season.

And though their early setbacks may prevent them from ultimately winning the division title, I expect them to be right there in the thick of things competing with the Blazers and Thunder for that top spot.

All stats courtesy of NBA.com