i figure we probably go .500
If the Jazz go .500, we're very likely to end up in a 4/5 matchup with the Rockets again.
I think the Spurs are not really going to be in contention for the playoffs and would be better off protecting their draft position. That could be two wins.
The Mavericks will probably be locked into the 7th seed by the time the Jazz play them, so they could limit certain guys' minutes in that game too.
The Lakers only need to win 1 or 2 games to clinch the #1 seed, since they're up 6 games over the Clips. So they might play guys limited minutes. Hard to say.
The Jazz *should* beat Memphis, though they should have a fire lit under them more than any team.
If the Jazz beat the Pels in the opening game, it will put a damper on ESPN's narrative and strategy of televising the Pels a lot.
If the Jazz go 5-3, while the Nuggets go 3-5, the Jazz would take the #3 seed. The reward would probably be the Thunder in the 1st round instead of Houston.
If the Jazz go 3-5 or 2-6, they can fall back to the #6 seed and probably draw Denver in the 1st round.
The Jazz really need one or two of their bench guys to show out, shoot the ball well and get buckets on drives. Could be Mudiay, Brantley, and maybe even Tucker.