5. Golden State Warriors
Utah vs Golden State: 2-1 (One game remaining)
What?! The Warriors aren’t in the top two worst first-round matchups for the Jazz?
This ranking is 100 percent based on Golden State’s current health. The Jazz recently cruised to a 110-91* victory over the Curry-less, Durant-less, Thompson-less and Draymond-less Warriors.
Despite the asterisk over Utah’s most recent win, they handed the Warriors their worst loss of the season on January 30 in a 30-point home victory over the defending champs at nearly full strength.
The Warriors' two worst losses this season have come against the Jazz. At Utah, on January 30, they had a -30 net rating. At home tonight, they had a -21 net rating.
— Positive Residual (@presidual) March 26, 2018
The good news doesn’t stop there for the Jazz. Per Steve Kerr, Curry will not play in the first round of the playoffs.
Breaking: Steve Kerr said there's "no way" Steph Curry (knee) will play in the first round of the playoffs. https://t.co/fsUuKrIb6U pic.twitter.com/SFyhFzNyWH
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 25, 2018
My J-Notes colleague, Jared Woodcox, took a look at this potential matchup in more depth here.
The Warriors have been far from dominant without Curry’s services. However, with KD, Klay and Draymond all poised to return by the time the playoffs begin, they should be as formidable of a foe as any in the West outside of Houston.
While a first-round upset over the defending champs would be icing on the cake to an already impressive season for the Jazz, the Warriors simply are not going out that easy. With or without Steph, this is a team primed to make a title run.
The Jazz steal one on the road and take one at home, but ultimately fall in six games to the Durant-led Warriors.
Prediction: Warriors win 4-2