Utah Jazz: 5 Midseason Takeaways As Playoff Drought Appears Over

1 of 6

Dec 27, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) dribbles the basketball against the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

The Utah Jazz approach the All-Star break fifth in the Western Conference. Here are five early takeaways from their fast start.

The Utah Jazz are 22-15 in the Western Conference as they approach the halfway point. The Jazz made some interesting offseason acquisitions when they acquired point guard George Hill from the Indiana Pacers and signed forward Joe Johnson.

They haven’t been the greatest team offensively, however. The Jazz are 26th in the NBA in points per game (99.0) and 28th and assists per game (19.0) through 37 games so far this season.

They are 18th in the league in rebounds per game (42.4) as well. Their record is a reflection of their depth as well as their performance on the defensive end.

Defensively, the Utah Jazz are first in defense, allowing just 95.3 points per game. They have won four of their last six games. Four of those wins have come against the Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns and Brooklyn Nets, but hey, it’s the NBA.

The Utah Jazz are battling injuries as well. Shooting guard Alec Burks has played in just one game since signing a four-year deal worth $42 million a few seasons ago. With the schedule getting a bit tougher down the road, they’ll need Burks if they want to make a playoff run.

The Jazz’ next two games come against Minnesota and Memphis on the road. Then they play Cleveland at home on Jan. 10. As the season is almost at the midway point, it’s worth taking a look at five early takeaways from the Utah Jazz.

Home/Utah Jazz