How do the Philadelphia 76ers stack up against the other 29 NBA teams?

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 30: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers laughs during the second quarter of Game One of Round Two of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on April 30, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 30: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers laughs during the second quarter of Game One of Round Two of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on April 30, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

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.