It’s no secret that the NBA plays favorites. Despite underperforming last season, the Nets, Knicks, and Lakers all had several more nationally televised games than the Utah Jazz, who had a much better season. Much to the dismay of Jazz fans, this upcoming season is no different.
Full Jazz schedule here:https://t.co/L02XFTpEdl
— Andy Larsen (@andyblarsen) August 17, 2022
Zero ESPN games.
Zero ABC games.
1 TNT game.
3 NBATV games.
Wow.
The Jazz will play ONE nationally televised game, against the Knicks at home on November 15th. If the Jazz do trade Donovan Mitchell to New York, it makes sense to broadcast his homecoming. Otherwise, these are two mediocre teams playing a fairly meaningless game.
The Jazz have three games on NBA TV. At Portland on November 19th, visiting the Clippers on the 21st, and hosting the Wizards on December 22nd. The entire back section of Utah’s schedule has no nationally televised games.
So, what gives? I understand that small market teams don’t usually make for marquee events, but Utah has been in the playoffs for the last five seasons. Maybe it’s time to show some respect? The Jazz host reigning MVP Nikola Jokic on opening night and then head to Minnesota to face Rudy Gobert and the Timberwolves. Both of these would make for good TV events.
On November 7th, the Jazz host the Lakers at 8:15 Mountain Time. That seems like the ideal game for the NBA to broadcast on a Friday night in a TV slot. People want to see the Lakers, and the timing of the game would allow for some great viewing. But I guess the NBA has other ideas.
The Jazz, Spurs, Thunder, Kings, Magic, and Pistons combine for five nationally televised TV games, excluding NBA TV appearances. The Thunder and Magic pair up on November 1st on TNT, which makes sense given that the number one and two picks in the 2022 NBA Draft are going up against each other. The Spurs, Jazz, Kings, and Pistons all get one game on either ESPN or TNT. So much for promoting small market teams! I understand that the Jazz and Spurs are starting a rebuild and might not make for some great TV, but those other squads are all young and exciting.
It might be time to invest in League Pass to watch the Jazz, because there really isn’t an alternative for Jazz fans who don’t live in the SLC area.