The J-Notes
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Here’s how the Utah Jazz are STILL able to make the play-in

Jared Koch|
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - FEBRUARY 08: Head coach Will Hardy Utah Jazz talks with Lauri Markkanen #23 during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Vivint Arena on February 08, 2023 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. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - FEBRUARY 08: Head coach Will Hardy Utah Jazz talks with Lauri Markkanen #23 during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Vivint Arena on February 08, 2023 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. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)

Entering Thursday night’s game against OKC, the Jazz’s playoff hopes are hanging on by a string.

The Jazz are down, but not out for the count when it comes to making the play-in. Currently, Utah sits at a record of 36-43, sitting at the 12th seed in the West. At this point, only two teams lie ahead of the Jazz in the standings competing for the 10th seed: Oklahoma City and Dallas.

While Utah’s current odds of securing a top 10 seed in the west at this point are bleak, it isn’t impossible. They don’t have the ability to control their own destiny, but if they’re able to get a bit of help from a few other teams, seeing the Jazz get a shot in the play-in still isn’t out of the cards.

Here’s what needs to happen:

  • Utah must win out in their final three games (vs. OKC, vs. DEN, @ LAL)

  • Oklahoma City must lose out in their final two games (@ UTA, vs. MEM)

  • Dallas must lose out in their final two games (vs. CHI, vs. SAS)

Considering these circumstances, seeing the Jazz claw their way to the 10-seed in these final games isn’t too farfetched.

Considering how poor Dallas has been performing down the stretch, there’s definitely a chance for them to take a loss against Chicago and San Antonio, despite them both not being above .500 this season.

As for OKC, Memphis is a top-2 team in the West this season (7-3 in their last 10) and won’t be a free win for the Thunder by any means. If Memphis was able to take care of business here, a Jazz win could put the OKC’s play-in dreams at risk.

The Jazz could have a perfect storm brewing to get all the help they need.

However, let’s slow down a bit before we get carried away. The Jazz’s remaining games on the schedule are far from a walk in the park. After playing OKC, the Jazz will likely be facing off against MVP candidate Nikola Jokic, and will then be playing LeBron James in the game immediately after.

It’s far from an easy schedule, but not impossible for Utah to come on top. We saw how competitive this Jazz team can play even with some key starters sitting out both on Tuesday against the Lakers, as well as against the Nets on Sunday.

Before anything, it all starts with a win against OKC. If the Jazz fall on Thursday in what would be their fourth-straight loss, they will as a result will be eliminated from playoff contention, their first time being eliminated from the playoffs since 2016.

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