Hollinger’s Stat Machine Loves the Jazz

John Hollinger’s Power Rankings continue to show the Jazz all kinds of love. The road warrior Jazz are ranked #2 in the latest poll.  His rankings are under fire lately (Insider) because the streaking Dallas Mavericks are way down the list at 13 in a 30 team league. In Hollinger’s latest post he describes the numbers and explains why each team is ranked higher than the Mavs.

Here’s what he had to say about the Jazz:

2. Utah Jazz

How are they ranked ahead of Dallas?
The Jazz are 23-5 in their past 28 games and have the best scoring margin in the West in the past 25 percent of their schedule. For the season, the Jazz’ scoring margin is nearly equal to the conference-leading Lakers’, and they’ve played the league’s most difficult schedule to date. (Opponents have a .520 winning percentage when not facing the Jazz.)

Would I take Dallas to beat them in a series?
No. The Jazz have won two of three meetings between the clubs and on paper appear to be a much better team this season. The two sides won’t face each other the rest of the regular season but could very well meet in the second round of the playoffs.