3 bold predictions for the rest of this Utah Jazz season

Utah Jazz Prediction #3: The Jazz finish 3rd in the Western Conference

If the Utah Jazz have had an unpredictable season, it pales in comparison to the unexpected success of the Memphis Grizzlies.

Everyone knew this team was talented. Still, trading Jonas Valanciunas for Steven Adams and a lottery pick seemed to portend rebuilding intentions. Perhaps it did, but the Grizzlies have taken a step forward anyway.

This team is set up for success in the long term with the dynamic Ja Morant manning the point.  In the short term, we still think the Utah Jazz are in a better position.

After all, the Jazz entered the season with championship aspirations. They’re a deeper team with a more polished offensive philosophy.

Call us biased, but the numbers agree. The Jazz are third in the NBA in Net Rating at 6.7, with the Grizzlies landing sixth at 4.2. By every indication, the Jazz would already be ahead of them with good health.

We expect them to finish there by the end of 2021-22.

Nothing is certain in the NBA, and that’s as true for the Utah Jazz as it is for any of the 29 other teams. We’ll see if these predictions come to fruition by the end of the year.