The J-Notes
Fansided

Five reasons why the Utah Jazz will make the playoffs in 2018-19

By Jared Woodcox

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 27: Rudy Gobert #27 and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz speak to the media after game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 27, 2018 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 27: Rudy Gobert #27 and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz speak to the media after game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 27, 2018 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
Utah Jazz Donovan Mitchell Derrick Favors
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – APRIL 27: Donovan Mitchell #45 and Derrick Favors #15 of the Utah Jazz react after game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 27, 2018 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Continuity

Although some may have found themselves disappointed that the Jazz didn’t make any big splashes this summer, there’s something to be said about trusting a team and running it back. That’s exactly what the Jazz will be doing and is a big reason why they’ll be a dangerous team this upcoming season.

The Jazz got off to a slow start last season largely due to all the new faces. Things started out ugly, but once they clicked and they became accustomed to one another, they turned into one of the league’s powerhouses.

If the Jazz were able to finish with 48 wins despite starting out the season a measly 19-28, imagine what they’ll be able to do if they eliminate the poor start and then play up to the potential they exhibited in the latter part of last season. If they hadn’t gotten into an early slump and had been able to even just stay right at .500 through their poor early stretch that lasted 47 games, they would have finished with four or five extra wins.

If they match that this year, 50-plus wins will easily get them into the playoffs.

While other teams are adjusting to new teammates, coaches and/or systems, the Jazz will be primed to simply fire on all cylinders right out of the gates. That should help mitigate a tough early part of the schedule, then they should able to cruise through to the finish line and into the postseason.

The exact same roster that dominated the league for the final 35 games of last season is back and will have no growing pains to go through this time around. That right there is a nearly sure recipe for a playoff appearance.

Home/Jazz News