Utah Jazz
2017-18 record: 48-34
2017-18 season series: 2-0, Sixers
2018-19 advantage: Neutral
The Jazz might have the best defense in the NBA. Rudy Gobert affects the game like few players can, deterring drives and devouring shots in the paint. He’s the best rim protector out there — better than Anthony Davis, and better than Joel Embiid.
Donovan Mitchell should also improve in his second season, growing as a playmaker and upping his efficiency from the floor. He’s looking to become the dynamic go-to option that pushes Utah into the West’s upper echelon.
With such an elite defense, the Jazz can match up with the league’s elite. Their offense isn’t bad either, with Ricky Rubio, Joe Ingles and Gobert all providing valuable traits on that end. Some are projecting them as the No. 2 seed, which isn’t out of the picture.
The Jazz have answers for the Sixers’ offensive focal points, as well as an elite coach in Quin Snyder. Utah’s quick ascension only adds to the budding Mitchell-Ben Simmons rivalry, which will continue for the foreseeable future.