Could the Utah Jazz be a dangerous play-in team?
Utah has been a fun team to watch over the past couple weeks as they've flipped the script on their poor start to the season. After starting 7-16 they have gone 13-4 since including five straight wins to get into play-in race as the ninth seed. They have earned wins against some of the NBA's elite teams with wins over the Sixers, Bucks, and Nuggets all by double digits. Jazz All Star, Lauri Markkanen has continued his success from last season scoring 21 or more in every game during their win streak. Their second leading scorer and sixth man in Jordan Clarkson has also played well with his best performance during the streak coming against the Nuggets by dropping a game high 27 points in the win.
With their recent success, the Jazz could possibly steal a play-in spot against struggling veteran teams like the Lakers and Warriors. Last year, they went off to a solid start but began to struggle during the latter part of the season. So far, they have done they have done the opposite and could be a tough team to play in the play-in tournament should they make it.
Cleveland wins their 4th straight, how far are they from the top teams in the East?
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been playing much better basketball as of late after starting out 8-8 in the first month of the season. Despite missing some key pieces like Darius Garland and Evan Mobley due to the injury the Cavaliers are currently on a 4 games albeit against subpar competition. Still, the Cavaliers now find themselves at the #4 seed which was the spot they finished at last season. However, they still have the same teams in front of them in the Celtics, Bucks, and Sixers respectively. Also, If the playoffs were today they would be facing the team that represented the East in the Finals last year in the Miami Heat.
What the Cavaliers will need to make a better playoff run than last year is first to get healthy but ultimately it will be having Donovan Mitchell at his best in the playoffs. As usual, Mitchell is having an excellent regular season having just dropped a season-high 45 points in their latest win against the Nets. So far, he is averaging 27.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.7 assists. For the Cavaliers to really make some noise in the playoffs they will need Mitchell to have a better postseason than he did against the Knicks. In that series, his scoring average dropped to 23.2 which was his lowest postseason scoring average since his sophomore playoff run with the Jazz. Even with Mitchell at his best the Cavaliers still will face a tough road against top tier competition in the East.
Grizzlies injury woes continue with Ja Morant out for the season
The Memphis Grizzlies have struggled with injuries all season but with the latest injury to Ja Morant it likely puts a bitter end to any chance of their playoff hopes. After missing the first 25 games due to suspension Ja Morant came back playing at his usual elite level averaging 25.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 8.1 assists per game. Unfortunately, after just 9 games played Morant suffered a subluxation of his right shoulder during a training session Saturday that will effectively put an end to his season. Morant is expected to be back at full strength but this season is expected to be a season to forget as injuries continue to be a problem for Memphis.
In the same week, the Grizzlies have suffered injuries not only to their superstar but also to Marcus Smart and Desmond Bane who both are expected to be out at least the next six weeks. With this season likely over due to their sheer number of injuries along with them having the third worst record in the West at 14-25 the Grizzlies focus will presumably shift to next season. On the bright side, the 23-24 season could lead to a high draft pick to pair with an already established young core that could elevate back into championship contention as soon as next season. With Bane's extension pushing the Grizzlies into the luxury tax the Grizzlies will face even more pressure to win as Morant enters his prime.
Game of the week- Dame Time strikes again as the Bucks win in an overtime classic thanks to a buzzer beating three pointer to give the Bucks a stunning 143-142 victory.
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