With the Western Conference likely losing one of its perennial playoff contenders in the Portland Trail Blazers, who have had a massive overhaul prepping for the loss of star LaMarcus Aldridge, the Utah Jazz have been the team that has popped up most as likely to be in contention for that eighth spot.
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Although it would be, perhaps, a surprise to fans who only follow national games, scribes like John Schuhmann, who has Utah ranked 15th in his current power rankings, are not allowing themselves to be caught off guard by the young, talented squad.