Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns face off in Battle for Playoff Position

While it may seem like just another Thursday night NBA game, the match-up between the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns has many implications. Both teams are currently in second place in their divisions, but only Utah has a legitimate chance of taking over the lead and securing one of the top 3 seeds. However, if the Jazz can’t reel in Denver for the Northwest division lead, then this match-up has the potential of determining who will finish 4th and have home court advantage.

Currently the Jazz have a 2 game lead in the loss column over Phoenix, who as of right now are in the 5th spot and will have to go on the road for at least the first round. The Suns have been extremely inconsistent this season on offense. They do lead the league in scoring with a 109 point per game average, but have taken many night off which has led to their 24 losses.

Phoenix has a phenomenal starting lineup, but suffers from a lack of depth. With defense not being a priority to this team, it really hurts to have a second unit that is incapable of keeping pace with their opponent. Robin Lopez has turned out to be a solid pick-up by the Suns. His 8 points and 5 rebounds per game have been helpful when Channing Frye is on the bench. However, the rest of the reserves struggle from the field, and have no offensive flow. Steve Nash is still playing at a high level as he dishes out over 11 assists, and is second on the team in scoring with a 17 point average. Amare Stoudemire is still a beast in the middle, and has played like he has a chip on his shoulder after all of the trade rumors surrounding him this season. When the Suns are clicking offensively they are virtually unstoppable. They problem is they don’t always click.

The Jazz have a tendency to play down to the level of their competition. They have several big wins against some of the best squads in the league, but struggle to stay motivated versus team that they should handle with ease. Losses against the Clippers and Sacramento this month are an example of why they have been close every year, but can never get over the top.

Carlos Boozer leads the team in scoring with a 20 point per game average, but point guard Deron Williams is the team leader on the floor. He is one of the best guards in the league, and can take over a game at any time. This all-star caliber duo makes up for the lack of scoring out of the rest of the starting line-up. Mehmet Okur is average at best, and Paul Millsap can be a solid defensive presense, but his offensive abilities need improvement.

Expect a low scoring game as both of these teams know exactly what is at stake in regards to conference seeding and home court advantage in the playoffs.

Related posts:

1. Western Conference Clash: Phoenix Suns vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
2. Oakland and Detroit in battle for Playoff Position
3. Denver and Phoenix Battle for the 3 Seed in the West
4. Knicks & Jazz Battle with Revamped Teams
5. Jazz & Magic battle for piece of the Spotlight

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