Utah Jazz
Current Record: 22-14
Standings: 1st in Division, 5th in Conference
Although the Jazz have been pretty disappointing of late, losing to the Celtics in a game that wasn’t even as close as the score indicated, struggling against four lottery teams in their previous four wins and not logging a win against a team with a winning record since December 18th, I’m optimistic that they’ll still be able to come out at the top of the division.
Utah’s struggles with injuries have been an incredible thorn in their side and until George Hill gets back and is healthy and Derrick Favors (hopefully) returns to playing like his old self, this team will not even be scratching the surface of their potential.
However, given the fact that even with all the issues they’ve had, they’re still in first place in the division through 36 games, there’s no reason why Utah can’t maintain and build on that division lead in the upcoming month and to close out the season.
When you look at their roster up and down, while Portland and OKC both boast superior players in Damian Lillard and Russell Westbrook, the Jazz have the most talent overall. As they continue to find the way to best utilize that talent and build a little more consistency as the entire squad gets healthy, they should have the firepower to remain atop the Northwest Division.
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After games like the one last night against the Celtics, sometimes pulling for this Jazz team can get a little discouraging. Nevertheless, fans have to remember that they’re still in first place in the division, and very much within striking distance of retaking that fourth place spot in the conference from the Los Angeles Clippers while keeping the likes of the Thunder and Grizzlies behind them.
There’s still three and a half months left in the season, meaning that a lot could change but also that the Jazz have a lot of time to get even better than they’ve played so far.
And given that they’re in first place in the division as things stand right now, if they do manage to improve even further, it’s not likely that any of their divisional foes, even OKC, will be able to catch them.
All stats courtesy of NBA.com