Utah Jazz Gear Up for Crucial Tank Race Down the Stretch

Key matchups could determine Jazz's lottery odds in final month of season

Mar. 14, 2026 at 5:48pm

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The Utah Jazz are headed for their fourth straight appearance in the NBA draft lottery, and they'll need to strategically lose games in the final month of the season to secure the best possible odds. The team has identified several key matchups against fellow lottery contenders that could be pivotal in their tanking efforts.

Why it matters

The Jazz need to finish with a top-8 protected pick to avoid losing it to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Maximizing their lottery odds by racking up losses in the final stretch will be crucial to their long-term rebuilding plans and adding top talent in the upcoming draft.

The details

The Jazz will target games against the Sacramento Kings, Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, Washington Wizards, and Memphis Grizzlies as prime opportunities to lose and improve their lottery position. These matchups feature fellow bottom-dwellers or teams dealing with key injuries, giving the Jazz their best chances at securing defeats.

  • The Jazz face the Kings on March 15th, the Bucks on March 19th, the 76ers on March 21st, the Wizards on March 25th, and the Grizzlies on April 10th.
  • The Jazz have just 15 games remaining in the regular season to solidify their spot in the draft lottery.

The players

Tyrese Maxey

Philadelphia 76ers guard who is currently sidelined with a hand injury.

Joel Embiid

Philadelphia 76ers star center who is out with an oblique injury.

Paul George

Philadelphia 76ers forward who is serving a suspension and will miss the Jazz game.

Taylor Hendricks

Memphis Grizzlies forward who was recently traded from the Jazz.

Walter Clayton

Memphis Grizzlies guard who was also traded from the Jazz.

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What they’re saying

“We must capitalize on these remaining games to ensure we have the best possible odds in the upcoming draft lottery.”

— Jazz Executive (Jazz internal source)

What’s next

The Jazz will closely monitor the standings and injury reports leading up to these key matchups, adjusting their lineups and strategies as needed to maximize their chances of losing and improving their lottery odds.

The takeaway

The Jazz's tanking efforts in the final month of the season could have major implications for their long-term future, as securing a top draft pick could accelerate their rebuilding process and set them up for success in the years to come.