Coming off two straight playoff runs, the Utah Jazz look to continue their success. Here are three reasons they will make the playoffs again in 2018-19.
After the departure of Gordon Hayward in 2017 free agency, fans in Salt Lake City were dejected. However, Donovan Mitchell lifted spirits with an exciting late-season push that resulted in a run to the second round of the playoffs.
For the third consecutive year, the Utah Jazz enter the 2018-19 NBA season with playoff expectations. Although the Western Conference is loaded with talented teams, Utah has a legitimate shot at being a top-three team.
The Jazz have finished the past two seasons as the fifth seed out West, and it’ll be interesting to see how the team reacts under the pressure of high expectations. Don’t forget, this group started the year 17-26 before turning things around.
The frontcourt duo of Rudy Gobert and Derrick Favors was dominant last season and one of the best 4-5 punches in the NBA. Barring injury or a significant sophomore slump by Mitchell, the Jazz should find themselves in the postseason in 2019.
Nothing is guaranteed in a crowded Western Conference where as many as 12 teams could compete for a postseason berth, but here’s a look at three reasons the Utah Jazz will get there.