The Utah Jazz have had a rough go of it lately. They are on a seven-game losing streak that is part of a bigger stretch of 10 losses in 11 games. Things will only get tougher before they get a rest for eight days at the NBA All-Star Break.
Between January 30th and February 13th, the Utah Jazz schedule consists of nine games, six at home and three on the road. All are against teams at .500 or better and in playoff position, but the Warriors, who are one game out of the No. 10 spot in the West at 23-23.
Minnesota, Orlando, Indiana, Golden State, Phoenix, LA Clippers (2x), LA Lakers (2x). That's the lineup.
Getting a closer look at the upcoming lineup
It's hard to see the Jazz getting more than a win in this stretch, even with most of the games at home. Especially where so many Jazzmen have been in and out of the lineup.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are missing guard Donte DiVincenzo, who is likely out until after the All-Star break. But they are always dangerous with Anthony Edwards leading the way.
The Orlando Magic might be the logical choice for a win, but they are re-incorporating their star players (Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero) back after long injury layoffs. The odds of them continuing to lose 80% of their games are slim.
Indiana is having their best run of the season, with wins in 15 of their last 20 games to get back in the playoff hunt. They won't be an easy opponent by any means, especially with Tyrese Haliburton at the helm.
Golden State is missing Draymond Green, but he is getting closer to returning. Steph Curry has sat a game here and there to manage a knee injury, usually when the Warriors have a back-to-back or multiple games in a short window. After a two-day layoff on February 1st and 2nd, the Warriors will start a four-games-in-six-days schedule when they face the Jazz. So, it's anyone's guess if Curry will play in Salt Lake on the 5th.
The Phoenix Suns haven't let the Jimmy Butler and Bradley Beal trade rumors affect them. Though their schedule eased up during their current 8-2 run, the benching of the unhappy Jusuf Nurkic seems to be helping the team at the right time.
The Clippers have only recently brought Kawhi Leonard back from injury, and he hasn't looked like his usual self in 8 games (14.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists), but that could change with more reps. Plus, they have one of the stingiest defenses in the NBA (106.9 points allowed, 3rd in the league).
And lastly, the Lakers. With both games being during the week of the All-Star break (Monday and Wednesday), there's a chance LeBron and Davis (currently injured) will miss both games and leave the Jazz an outing against the Lakers' B team.
It will be a tough few weeks ahead, especially if Jazz players continue to be in and out of the lineup.
Let's hope for some competitive games and continued growth from Isaiah Collier, Brice Sensabaugh, and Walker Kessler, which has been encouraging to watch this season as the Jazz develop pieces of their rebuild.