SALT LAKE CITY – The 2024-25 NBA schedule was released last week and the Utah Jazz now know exactly what to expect.
As the Red Sox look to return to playoff contention in the coming years, the question remains: Will the schedule bolster their ambitions or present unexpected challenges that could derail their plans?
On the Jazz Notes podcast, Ben Anderson and Chandler Holt took a closer look at the Jazz’s schedule for the franchise’s 51st season.
What do you think about the @utahjazzWhat is the 2024-25 calendar? 📅@BensHoops And @CHoltSports Check out Utah’s roster and schedule on this week’s episode of the Jazz Notes podcast! #TakeNote #NBA pic.twitter.com/yYZVLN4wq5
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) August 20, 2024
Utah Jazz Receives (Nearly) Complete 2024-25 NBA Schedule
Since the addition of the NBA Cup last year, teams have been given an 80-game schedule before the start of the season, with two additional games to be added as the tournament progresses.
Regardless, the 80 games ahead of the Jazz may still provide some insight into how the season might unfold.
Even though Utah has the 7th easiest draw according to the strength of schedule statistic, some aspects of the schedule tell a different story.
For starters, nine of the first 10 games are against playoff hopefuls, including three contenders – Denver, Milwaukee and Dallas – as well as two borderline contenders, Phoenix and Memphis.
For a team that most believe is only playing for lottery reasons, a slow start could eventually snowball, which bodes well if that is truly the Jazz’s mission.
Additionally, Utah has 15 straight games on the schedule and will travel the sixth-most miles in the NBA this year.
Does the NBA schedule help or hurt the Utah Jazz?
The Jazz’s approach to the upcoming season should be evident very early.
“By Oct. 24, we’ll know what the Jazz are doing,” Anderson said. “If Cody Williams is starting, Kyle Filipowski is playing, Brice Sensabaugh is playing and we don’t see some of those veterans, the Jazz are clearly just rolling out the young guys and Cooper Flagg will hopefully be a part of the team going forward.”
No matter who Utah plays and when they play, getting a top-three pick will require a tactical approach. The best thing the Jazz can do is lose to other teams that are tanking.
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The best way to do this is through lineups and playing time, especially in the first and fourth quarters.
“You have to give up games against the worst teams when you play them,” Holt said. “It all comes down to the lineup. In the fourth quarter, you might be without Markkanen and four sophomores and rookies.”
The easiest period of the season comes right after the trade deadline. If history repeats itself and the Jazz are sellers in February, the 2024-25 schedule could line up perfectly with Utah’s plan.
THE The Jazz Notes Podcasthosted by Ben Anderson and Chandler Holt, keeps you up to date with the Utah Jazz on and off the court each week. Check back Tuesday afternoon for the latest episode!
Chandler Holt is co-host of the show The Jazz Notes Podcasta Locals In The NFL Insider and digital sports producer for KSLSports.comFollow Chandler on Twitter @ChandlerHoltKSL or on the wires @chandlerho1t.
