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NBA: Predicting The 2016-17 Western Conference Playoff Field

By Michael Saenz

Jul 7, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Kevin Durant poses for a photo with his jersey during a press conference after signing with the Golden State Warriors at the Warriors Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 7, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Kevin Durant poses for a photo with his jersey during a press conference after signing with the Golden State Warriors at the Warriors Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 6, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (15) and center Rudy Gobert (27) and forward Gordon Hayward (20) and guard Dante Exum (11) look on against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (15) and center Rudy Gobert (27) and forward Gordon Hayward (20) and guard Dante Exum (11) look on against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Utah Jazz

Projected Starting Lineup: George Hill, Gordon Hayward, Joe Johnson, Derrick Favors, Rudy Gobert

Once again, the Utah Jazz are becoming one of the trendiest picks of the NBA offseason. While many expected/hoped that the Jazz would make the jump to the playoffs this past season, the injuries were just too much. From losing Dante Exum before the season even started, to finishing the year without Rudy Gobert, the Jazz simply could not overcome it all.

However, with the assumption that Exum will be back this season, the Jazz are once again becoming everyone’s “IT” team. The additions of veteran point guard George Hill and Joe Johnson certainly help, too.

And with the Western Conference as a whole taking a bit of a step back, this could finally be the year for the Utah Jazz.

Next: No. 4

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