Jazz NBA Championship Odds: Can Donovan Mitchell, Utah Avoid Another Collapse?

Utah Jazz NBA Playoff Odds

Utah Jazz Analysis

The Utah Jazz led the NBA in Offensive Rating (117.6) this season, but not many consider them a contender thanks to their horrific perimeter defense that can’t seem to keep anyone in front of them recently.

The Jazz were the top seed in the Western Conference last season and were upset in the second round against a severely shorthanded Clippers team, and there isn’t much reason for hope that the Jazz will make the conference finals for similar reasons.

Mike Conley hasn’t been as good as he was last season, and the Jazz’s poor perimeter defense means too many opponents can drive downhill, which puts Rudy Gobert in an unfavorable spot.

Luka Doncic might not turn the corner on the Jazz as often as most point guards, but his incredible passing and shotmaking will be a nightmare if healthy, just ask the Clippers. Quicker Mavs guards like Jalen Brunson and Spencer Dinwiddie will pose a problem for the Jazz defense like Terance Mann and Reggie Jackson did last year.

The Jazz punted on improving their roster at the trade deadline, and their own players have openly discussed how they aren’t true contenders this season, so it feels like this team is destined for an early exit from the playoffs unless Donovan Mitchell has an incredible few weeks ahead.