Oddsmakers Jumped the Gun on Jazz's 2023-24 Win-Total Outlook

The bookies may have jumped the gun when the Utah Jazz win total was set at 34.5 games last month. According to positiveresidual.com, the Jazz have the second-easiest schedule based on opponent record last year, have the fewest back-to-backs (13), and log the 10th-fewest miles in the league.

According to https://t.co/W9TrY1ywhC

- Jazz have the 2nd-easiest schedule in the league by opponent record last season.

- They have (tied for) the fewest B2Bs in the NBA, with 13.

- They travel the 10th fewest miles in the league.
— Andy Larsen (@andyblarsen) August 17, 2023

This is music to the ears of Jazz fans that have their eyes on Utah’s first playoff berth in the Will Hardy era. The initial projections felt a little low, considering Utah won 37 games last year despite tanking the season after the All-Star break.

Barring injury, the Jazz should cruise to more than 35 wins. Considering how the roster will acclimate to Hardy’s system, the Jazz should be able to hit the ground running out of the gates with the players, coaches, and upper management on the same page. Plus, with Hardy’s track history of player development, Jazz fans can expect the young core to be better versions of themselves as the season moves along.

The Jazz are also a much deeper team than they were in 2022-23. The addition of John Collins now puts last year's starter Kelly Olynyk and No. 9 overall pick Taylor Hendricks coming off the bench. That’s a big upgrade from Utah's post-All-Star break options of Damian Jones and Udoka Azubuike from last year.

Utah’s depth doesn’t end in the front court with the backcourt being one of the deepest in the league. It remains to be seen which players will be the reserves, but Hardy has six capable guards to distribute minutes to, which bodes well if the Jazz are bitten by the injury bug.

The depth will come in handy in a day and age where injuries are inevitable. The Jazz are much more equipped to manage any setbacks compared to last year.

Utah is also positioned to make an upgrade during the season. Don’t be surprised if Utah goes all in if an All-Star-caliber player becomes available prior to the 2024 trade deadline. With a treasure chest of first-round picks and a couple of appealing expiring contracts, the Jazz should be buyers looking to improve their roster in-season.

As far as the competition, the Jazz will have a tougher road this season. Utah will play in a deeper Western Conference, with teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, and San Antonio Spurs being more difficult to handle.

However, the way I see it, the Jazz are primed to win in the range of 40-45 games in year two of the Hardy reign.