Utah Jazz - NBA Odds, Lines & Betting

Head Coach: Jerry Sloan

Conference: Western Northwest

2006-07 W/L Record: 51-31

2006-07 Wagering Stats
37-41-4 ATS (18-20-3 H, 19-21-1 A)
43-38-1 O/U (22-18-1 H, 21-20 A)

2007-08 NBA Odds:
+ 1200 to win Western Conference
+2500 to win NBA title

Things are certainly looking up for the Utah Jazz after last season’s wonderful 51-31 regular season was made even better by the team’s run to the western conference finals where they put up a respectable fight against Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs.

The Jazz have one of the best duos in the league now in point guard Deron Williams and rejuvenated power forward Carlos Boozer and should be even better in 2007-08 because of their extended postseason run last season and the experience the team’s young players will draw from it.

The Jazz are a well-balanced team led by the blossoming Williams, who absolutely exploded in last season’s playoffs. While Williams is looking like he is going to challenge for the imaginary title of best point guard in the NBA, the Jazz may have a small problem at shooting guard where now-departed veteran Derek Fisher started 61 games last season.

Utah however, did draft a player that is widely recognized as one of the best young shooters on the plante in former Rice star Morris Almond, who will compete with former first round pick Ronnie Brewer for the starting position. In a worst-case scenario, head coach Jerry Sloan could always go with sweet-shooting veteran Gordon Giricek. Jason Hart, a six-year veteran, will back up Williams at the point and versatile swingman Matt Harpring can play either, the off-guard or small forward positions.

Utah’s frontcourt is a major strength for the team with three all-star caliber players in the starting lineup. Center Mehmet Okur is not the typical low post center, but he can make teams pay by stepping away from the basket and nailing three-pointers as if they were lay-ups.  Small forward Andrei Kirilenko is unhappy with his current role on the team, but is a player that can do it all at both ends of the floor. Kirilenko has already gone on record as saying he’d like to play elsewhere this season, but the Jazz would be wise to retain his multi-faceted services, at least until they can find a suitable trade option.

Boozer meanwhile had a spectacular season last year, averaging 20.9 points and 11.7 rebounds while shooting a sizzling 56 percent from the field and earning his first All-Star selection as a result. Second-year forward Paul Millsap was also a revelation off the bench for Sloan last season and appears to have a bright future ahead of him. Veteran Jarron Collins is a big body who can rebound and use his fouls off the bench. Expect the Jazz to once again, be one of the elite teams in the Western Conference in 2007-08.

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Official Team Site: Jazz.com