Jazz Draft Stakes are High in T-Wolves vs. Thunder Matchup

There’s a lot on the table tonight for the Utah Jazz.

Author:
Patrick Byrnes
Publish date:
Apr 14, 2023 11:55 AM EDT

In this story:

The Utah Jazz will have an opportunity to get their second pick in the NBA lottery on Friday night when the Minnesota Timberwolves host the Oklahoma City Thunder in a game where the loser will be sent home packing. Utah is in possession of the Timberwolves' selection via the Rudy Gobert trade that took place last summer.

A loss from the Timberwolves would put the Jazz at either the No. 12, 13, or 14 spot in terms of best odds for the upcoming NBA draft lottery.

Let’s break down the series of events that would need to take place in order for Utah to claim each spot.

12 Spot

Timberwolves loss
Miami Heat loss
Jazz win coin toss versus New Orleans Pelicans

13 Spot

Timberwolves loss
Heat win
Jazz win coin flip versus Pelicans

Timberwolves loss
Heat loss
Jazz lose coin flip versus Pelicans

14 Spot

Timberwolves loss
Heat win
Jazz lose coin flip versus Pelicans

The combination of Utah’s current spot (No. 9) and obtaining No. 12 via Minnesota would increase its chances of getting a top-four selection from 20.3% to 28.3% and the No. 1 pick from 4.5% to 6.3%. It may feel like splitting hairs, but with so much at stake in a loaded draft, the Jazz will take every advantage available.

Also, where Minnesota’s pick lands could have some say on whether Utah has the means to attempt a trade to move up in the draft. Trading the selection to slide up a spot or two isn’t out of the realm of possibility if there’s a prospect the Jazz are hell-bent on drafting.

Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson will be off-limits, but after that, all bets are off. Without that second lottery pick, it would be difficult for Utah to move up without sacrificing a future pick currently in its possession.

If Minnesota comes out victorious on Friday night, then Utah will be picking No. 16 with a Heat win versus the Chicago Bulls or No. 17 with a loss.

The Timberwolves are favored to win the game, but not by much. Despite being at home, Vegas has Minnesota pegged as only a 2.5-point favorite.

Tip-off is at 7:30 pm MDT.

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