We probably won’t actually know what the matchups will be for the Utah Jazz in the various rounds of the playoffs until the season ends because they continue to change daily.
Let’s take a look at the nine teams which they could face, and whether they would come out of such a matchup as the victor or not.
- New Orleans Hornets – Deron Williams has played very well against Chris Paul and the Hornets. In a 7 game series the Utah Jazz would likely win, even if the Hornets end up as the 1 seed in the West. I can’t believe that the Hornets will hold off San Antonio’s annual late season push for the 1 seed, though. A second round matchup against the Hornets would be very favorable to the Jazz. Jazz in 6.
- San Antonio Spurs – Even if the Utah Jazz had the home court advantage against the Spurs, I don’t think the Jazz would win this matchup in a seven game series. I realize that the Jazz are practically unbeatable at home this year, but I really think that the players are a bit too young to take out the NBA Champions. With the way things stand today, the Jazz wouldn’t meet the Spurs until the Western Conference Finals (if the Spurs made it that far). Spurs in 7.
- Los Angeles Lakers – I don’t really like this matchup either. Kobe Bryant has managed to cause the Jazz a lot of heartache, even when he had to do it without any help. He has a little more help this year. Of course, with Pau Gasol on the Lakers now, it is very possible that his jinx will force Kobe and company into a first round exit, swept by…whoever they happen to meet. Lakers in 7.
- Utah Jazz
- Phoenix Suns – The Jazz would have won this matchup easily if the Shaq for Marion trade had not been made. With rosters being what they are, I’m really not sure who would be favored in this matchup. I would probably lean towards whoever gets homecourt advantage. Currently this would be a first round matchup. With Phoenix winning 8 of the last 10, it may not stay that way. Jazz in 7.
- Houston Rockets – The Utah Jazz beat them last year. Expect them to do it again this year, if these two teams happen to meet. A win is practically guaranteed since the Rockets have the jinx of Tracy McGrady to help them out again. Jazz in 7.
- Dallas Mavericks – There is a decent chance that the Mavericks will be the odd team out when the dust settles. If the Jazz face the Mavericks, look for the Jazz to win this matchup as well. Jason Kidd might have an advantage against some point guards, but Deron Williams isn’t one of them. Jazz in 5.
- Golden State – More of the same if the Jazz meet the run-and-gun Golden State Warriors. Like last year’s playoffs, this wouldn’t be close. Jazz in 5.
- Denver Nuggets – The Jazz haven’t really had many problems with the Denver Nuggets, despite the fact that Carmelo and Iverson can’t really be slowed down. I don’t imagine they would have many problems against them in the playoffs either, especially if the Utah Jazz have the homecourt advantage, which seems likely. Nuggets in 5.