Utah Jazz Aim for High Lottery Pick Against Chicago Bulls

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — The Utah Jazz will face off against the Chicago Bulls on March 17, 2025, as they continue their pursuit for an optimal draft position in the upcoming lottery. After a tough defeat, the Jazz hope to solidify their standing as the worst team in the league, holding the top spot in the draft standings.

The Jazz currently sit at number one in the draft order, which guarantees them at least a fifth overall pick. This marks the first time since 2014 that the Jazz have had such a high draft position, when they selected Dante Exum. “The worst we can do is the #5 pick, and that’s a significant win for us,” said Jazz General Manager. However, the team is not solely focusing on losses, as they also aim for the development of their young talent.

Young players like Isaiah Collier and Kyle Filipowski have shown promise with their offensive abilities. Collier, in particular, has been impressive with his assists, while Filipowski has maintained an elite shooting percentage. A question remains on how well these prospects can develop defensively—a critical area for long-term success. “Defense is key for the future of our team, and we have time to let these young players grow,” the GM added.

The matchup between the Jazz and Bulls will take place at the Delta Center, with tip-off scheduled for 9:00 PM ET. Jazz fans can catch the action live on KJZZ or SEG+. Walker Kessler leads Utah in rebounding, averaging 12.5 boards per game, and Lauri Markkanen continues to be a scoring leader with 19.1 points per game.

Utah’s strategy may hinge on further losses, particularly with upcoming games against the Washington Wizards and Charlotte Hornets. Head coach has emphasized the necessity of losing these matches to retain their draft position, saying, “Every game counts towards our future.” In contrast, the Bulls are coming off a strong stretch, winning four of their last five meetings against Utah and currently hold a strong offensive rating.

Both teams share a similar defensive struggle, with the Bulls ranking 29th in points allowed per game, just ahead of the Jazz at 28th. With both teams known for their offensive capabilities but lacking on the defensive end, fans can expect a high-scoring contest. The Bulls have dominated this matchup recently, but if the Jazz can replicate their earlier performance this season, they could pull off an upset.

As the Jazz prepare for this crucial game, their focus shifts between winning and nurturing upcoming talent. With a favorable draft position at stake, every play intertwines with their broader strategy for success.