3 Keys to Jazz Finishing With a Playoff Berth

It’s do or die for the Utah Jazz the rest of the way.
3 Keys to Jazz Finishing With a Playoff Berth
3 Keys to Jazz Finishing With a Playoff Berth /
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It’s been a roller coaster year for the Utah Jazz. One day it appears the Jazz are in a spot to tank for draft position, only to find themselves within striking distance for a playoff berth the next. 

With only 22 games left in the season, there’s no time to waste if Utah is going to make the postseason for the seventh consecutive year. What are the keys to getting it done? 

Let’s take a look.

Make Hay in the Next 8 

And According to Tankathon.com, the Jazz are ranked 21st in schedule difficulty for the remainder of the season, with the softest stretch being the next eight contests, where they play seven games vs. teams with a losing record. The most important being a trio of games vs. the Oklahoma City Thunder, who Utah trails by .5 game in the standings. 

Beating the Thunder two out of three, along with wins against projected lottery teams in the San Antonio Spurs (2), Orlando Magic, and Charlotte Hornets, would set up the Jazz nicely for the final home stretch. Going 4-4 won’t cut it when you consider the teams the Jazz will be facing the rest of the way.

Clean Bill of Health

Compared to other teams in the league, the Jazz have stayed relatively healthy this year. This obviously needs to continue, but with the recent departure of Mike Conley, Malik Beasley, and Jarred Vanderbilt, there’s no room for error in regard to the injury bug. 

The Jazz lack the depth they had pre-trade deadline, and the drop-off would be too much to overcome if the likes of Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson, or Walker Kessler were to miss any time.

Putting the Foot on the Gas

With 75% of the season in the rearview mirror, and Utah only two games removed from the sixth seed, it’s time to go all in. This could mean shortening the rotation, playing through nagging injuries, or the starters logging more minutes on the court. 

It will be interesting to see what head coach Will Hardy’s approach will be for the home stretch. It makes sense to take the side of caution if you’re trending for a playoff spot, but the Jazz don’t have that luxury. 

The Jazz will need to approach every game like it may be their last. 


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Patrick Byrnes
PATRICK BYRNES

Patrick Byrnes is the Deputy Editor of The Frozen Rope — SI.com's team website covering the Utah Jazz.