Utah Jazz Odds – Chemistry a problem for Boozer and Jazz

In 2007, the Utah Jazz were considered a Western Conference powerhouse that had potential to compete with the Los Angeles Lakers for a West crown but in 2008, their hopes were dashed because of a slew of injuries. After an offseason where the team vowed to trade All-Star power forward Carlos Boozer and then didn’t, they’ll have to figure out a way to mend the relationship in his final season with the team. The ship has sailed for this Jazz team and while online betting fans can expect to see them in the playoffs, they won’t do much damage.

Utah Jazz odds: +5000 to win NBA Championship

• Boozer stuck in a lame-duck season
• Jazz still lacking a backcourt depth of the bench
• Another playoff berth should be expected

Utah Jazz odds maker breakdown: STARTING FIVE
The Jazz starting five is the same five that NBA betting fans have gotten used to seeing. Deron Williams will man the point, Ronnie Brewer will be the starting shooting guard, C.J. Miles will start at small forward, Carlos Boozer will be at power forward and Mehmet Okur will play center. The real key to this lineup will be Boozer. If he can regain his All-Star form, this team could be dangerous. This will be his last year with the team and after making requests to be traded this offseason, he has to regain the trust of his teammates.

Utah Jazz odds maker breakdown: BENCH
The Jazz haven’t really done much to improve their bench but they will be counting on the growth of a few players. More will be expected from players like Kyrylo Fesenko and Kosta Koufos in the front court but it’s the back court where the Jazz could use some help. Andrei Kirilenko gives the team a good bench presence and Kyle Korver is a good three-point specialist but the Jazz still lack a good shooting guard off the bench who can score. Forward Paul Millsap is one of the best bench guys around and he will start once Boozer has moved on.

Utah Jazz odds maker breakdown: OFFENSE
The Jazz have a very competent, if unorthodox offense. Williams and Brewer are the guys that can get to the basket and along with center Okur, the Jazz will have some good outside shooting. It would be nice if Boozer regained his stroke in the 10-15 foot range. Inside, the Jazz have the muscle to pound most teams but that’s assuming that Okur is on his game and Boozer is focused. Paul Millsap rounds out a great forward rotation but a more reliable scoring guard in the backcourt outside of Williams is what is missing. That could put this team over the top.

Utah Jazz odds maker breakdown: DEFENSE
The Jazz are a solid defensive team – there is no question about that. Kirilenko’s length makes him a matchup nightmare while Boozer and Okur are big bodies in the middle that can clog the lane. Defense is very much a part of their game plan.

Utah Jazz odds maker breakdown: COACHING
Sportsbook odds makers know that the Jazz are perennially a threat in the West because of head coach Jerry Sloan. He’s not one of the longest tenured coaches in the NBA without reason. He’s among the best coaches in the NBA.

Utah Jazz odds maker breakdown: SEASON OUTLOOK
Two years ago, the Jazz had such tight team chemistry that many pundits picked them to represent the West in the NBA Finals ahead of the more talented Lakers. But after an offseason where the team tried and failed to trade Boozer, and then told him he’s not in the franchise’s future plans, it will be an odd setup with him returning to the team for one final year. Look for another playoff berth with an early exit.

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