Hoops Habit
Fansided

3 reasons Utah Jazz will make the 2019 NBA Playoffs

By KC Whitten

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 07: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz talks with Quin Snyder of the Utah Jazz during a break in action against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 7, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 07: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz talks with Quin Snyder of the Utah Jazz during a break in action against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 7, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 4
Next
Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images /

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.

Home/Utah Jazz