The Jazz's Next 20 Games -- Jazz go 10-10

[framer]

Btw as a sidesnote... NBA.com power rankings notebook had a nice table that shows that we have the 4th most difficult schedule in the west in December based on opponent win record. How is that even possible, after the schedule we already endured? At least we play 8 of 15 at home, unlike the Lakers who play even tougher teams and almost exclusively on the road.

Btw, Lakers (and Suns) have had 0 rest disadvantage games this season.

View attachment 13470

Power Rankings Notebook: December schedule analysis

Breaking down key stats on the December schedule, on-off court leaders, the Celtics' historic offense and more.

www.nba.com

Jazz have 4 back to backs in December, in addition to the ones that we have already played. I believe they have like 3 total after the all-star break.

 

[Isaiah 1:13]

I voted 6-10 but honestly expected them closer to 6 than 10.

Nice job! I voted 11-15 but admit I thought it would be closer to 15. Eternal optimist I know - my curse and my blessing.

 

[Ferguson_Mellochill]

Now that we know the results of the last 20 game stretch, we should have someone do a new thread for the next 20 games. 10-10 on the least one was a pretty reasonable result. Be interesting to see how they fare moving forward. Still hoping to see Lauri make the All-Star game.

If KAT is out a while, it would seem to open the door for either Lauri or Sabonis to be WC bigs, along with Jokic and Davis.

 

[Ferguson_Mellochill]

I think its looking iffy if we rank 7-10 but likely if top 6.. Some 2022 West representatives that are out or behind:

Dejounte Murray (reserve) & Donovan Mitchell are now in East.
KAT and Gobert should (at least) both not make it
CP3 might not make it
Draymond should not make it

For new entries, I would guess De'Aaron Fox gets in if Kings record hold and AD if Lakers improve theirs enough. SGA might get in despite his teams record if he stays around 30 PPG.

Then its mainly PG13, Dame, Lauri, Zion and Antman in the mix.

Lauri has the homefield advantage, but the competition is tough. All comes down to team records.

Bigs: Jokic, AD, Zion, Sabonis?, Lauri?
Guards/Wings: Curry, Luka, Booker, Ja, SGA, Lebron, PG13, Ingram

KAT is missing games. Dame is missing games. PG and Kawhi are missing games. As long as someone stupid like Wiggins doesn't get in, Lauri has a decent chance, imo.

 

[HermanG]

Bigs: Jokic, AD, Zion, Sabonis?, Lauri?
Guards/Wings: Curry, Luka, Booker, Ja, SGA, Lebron, PG13, Ingram

KAT is missing games. Dame is missing games. PG and Kawhi are missing games. As long as someone stupid like Wiggins doesn't get in, Lauri has a decent chance, imo.

I think Wiggins gets in. He was a starter last year and has been better this year. Plus they are the champs and you really cannot send Draymond or Klay (so would be only Steph).

I think Sabonis is behind Lauri but Zion might be slightly ahead based on hype train.

With that being said KAT might get in based on stupid familiarity reasons. If he does, Lauri is likely out unless we go on a tear as a team or he has a huge statement game at some point.

 

[Ron Mexico]

Jazz now have the 3rd easiest schedule in the West the rest of the season. Only Portland and New Orleans have easier schedules.

If we get Conley back I dont see why this team isnt going to have a better winning percentage the rest of the season than what they have now. At a slightly higher win % that puts us right around a 6 seed. Our point difference this year so far is 5th best, which is usually a better prediction of where a team is going over the W/L record historically. I also see this team as a young team that can keep improving.

Without Changes I see this team coming in 5-8 range. I think we could drop into the lottery if we trade Conley and Clarkson. Maybe we trade Beasley and KO as well or along with those to drop down depending on what we get back. Those would have to be trade for picks or young players with potential that arent going to help winning for now. The flip side we could also make some roster balancing moves and/or upgrading the roster to secure a better playoff position. I think both are good options.

Speaking of picks Minny has the hardest remaining schedule in the NBA. But Philly and Brooklyn have pretty easy schedules remaining.

 

[hgb]

But Philly and Brooklyn have pretty easy schedules remaining.

At the time of the trade, I thought it would be at best around 25th, but it looks like we might jump a few more spots. Right now it would be the 18th pick, but should I make a guess, I'd say it ends up around 22-23.