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2019-20 NBA season: Record predictions for every team

By Christopher Kline

PLAYA VISTA, CA - SEPTEMBER 29: Los Angeles Clippers Forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and Los Angeles Clippers Forward Paul George (13) pose for a photo during media day at the Los Angeles Clippers Training Center on September 29, 2019 in Playa Vista, California. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PLAYA VISTA, CA - SEPTEMBER 29: Los Angeles Clippers Forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and Los Angeles Clippers Forward Paul George (13) pose for a photo during media day at the Los Angeles Clippers Training Center on September 29, 2019 in Playa Vista, California. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Utah Jazz

The Utah Jazz are in line for another season as the West’s top defense. Rudy Gobert is in his own tier as a rim protector, unleashing his stringy, well-coordinated 7-foot-2 frame on unsuspecting slashers. He alters shots at a rate virtually unmatched.

Where Utah takes a step forward in 2019-20 is offense. Mike Conley Jr. is the main reason, as his presence will free up Donovan Mitchell to do more work off-ball. Mitchell’s poor efficiency has been tied to a high-volume workload the past two seasons, a problem Conley can rectify.

There’s also Bojan Bogdanovic, who took over No. 1 scoring duties in Indiana following Victor Oladipo’s injury last season. On a Jazz team that needed more dynamic scorers, Conley and Bogdanovic figure to add immediate value.

The Jazz are more well-rounded than they were last season, with the personnel to defend across positions and the personnel to consistently pressure the opposing defense.  Mitchell should continue on a promising trajectory, while Conley — finally back on a contending team — could target his first All-Star appearance. Gobert, per usual, is bound to earn consideration.

In recent seasons, defense has kept Utah in the Western Conference mix. What it hasn’t done is keep the Jazz in title contention, largely due to offensive shortcomings. The front office slapped a bandaid on those wounds, and the second unit received a minor upgrade, to boot.

A top-five defense and durability will give Utah home-court advantage in the first round. There’s staunch competition in the Western Conference, and right now, it’s hard to split hairs. Everyone listed one through seven is on a similar playing field when it comes to regular season projections. Utah’s additions were focused on postseason growth.

Final record prediction: 51-31, No. 4 seed Western Conference