The Utah Jazz (16-57) are nine games away from seeing the end of their race to the bottom. After the Washington Wizards pulled out a win against the Philadelphia 76ers last night, the Jazz have leapfrogged back into the number 1 position in the tank race.
For those readers unfamiliar with the ping pong ball process of the NBA draft lottery, the three-worst records in the league each have equal odds at both the first-overall pick (14%) and finishing in the top-four overall (52.1%). That said, the worst record in the league can only drop so far as the fifth pick in the draft, rather than the seventh or eighth. Given the talent at the top of this draft, staying up top could make a big difference.
Tonight, the Jazz have a chance to keep their position in the draft, taking on the Houston Rockets (47-26) at the Delta Center. The Rockets have had one of the best stories this season, sitting second in the Western Conference standings. Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun have led the rockets, averaging 21.5 and 19.0 points per game, respectively. Amen Thompson, who was once a draft sweetheart for many Jazz fans, has played extremely well this season, averaging 14.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists.
For the Jazz, rookie Isaiah Collier sits less than 20 assists away from taking over John Stockton’s franchise rookie season assist record.
How to watch
Who: Houston Rockets @ Utah Jazz
When: March 27th, 2025 @ 7:00 PM MT
Watch: Jazz+, KJZZ, NBA League Pass
Listen: 97.5 FM