The Utah Jazz are in a situation they’ve not been in since the late 1990s — prime position to earn the top seed in the Western Conference. They’re also in a great position to prep for the playoffs and invest in youth.
With the Lakers free-falling sans Anthony Davis and LeBron James, the primary competition for the west crown is out of the picture. The Phoenix Suns have made a run to the top, but are three games behind Utah and have the fifth-hardest strength of schedule remaining. The LA Clippers could make a push if Rajon Rondo gives them a spark, but they’re even further back at 4.