1. Reach the Western Conference Finals

This Utah Jazz team is ascending. They have a nice combination of talent, depth, and quality coaching on both ends. Yes, the West is very, very deep and loaded with stars, but Utah will be a team making noise in the postseason. With the way they can smother teams on defense (when reasonably healthy), they can take even great offenses out of rhythm. It won’t easy for them to win two playoff series, but this Utah team should not be overlooked.

They have a potential superstar in the making in Mitchell, who can win postseason games himself. They have one of the best rim protector/rollers in the league and a veteran point guard who is a perfect match for their play style.

In 2017-18, only four teams had a better net rating, per NBA.com. They’ll be able to compete with any team in the West in a seven-game series other than the Golden State Warriors. The Houston Rockets lost two key defensive pieces, and the Portland Trail Blazers and Oklahoma City Thunder are very isolation-driven, playing into Utah’s defensive hands.

The new-look Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans would match up well, but they’re unproven. From there, other teams are too inconsistent. It’s not like I’m predicting the Jazz to beat the Dubs, but they might be the best matchup for them with the way Utah defends and plays at a methodical pace.