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David Locke here, the host of the daily Locked On Jazz podcast, with your daily Locked On Jazz newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Jazz and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.

League at Large

We could watch Thunder-Cavs in perpetuity

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Oklahoma City Thunder Philadelphia 76ers January 16 2024
Jan 14, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives for a shot past Philadelphia 76ers forward Guerschon Yabusele (28) during the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center. | Bill Streicher/Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the rest of the NBA season could just be various instances spent listening to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander go WOOOO to varying decibels and degrees of excitement? It would be, to borrow from a master gone too soon, Lynchian.

If not that, then to watch the Thunder and Cavaliers play each other, over and over, until April 13th. I suspect we still wouldn’t have our fill of these two teams but don’t fret, we’d have a riveting seven game series. Each game a competitive and tight feast for the eyes.

To really get an understanding of how, though relentless pressuring and seamless switching, the Thunder have run away with the first overall defensive rating. That even against a team like Cleveland who pride themselves on the way they’re able to take care of the ball, and their communication skills, OKC can pluck the ball out of the hands of an opponent on a fastbreak, a drive, as if they were walking right up to a kid and taking candy from their hands.

Of course, this all makes it sound like watching these two teams in perpetuity is going to look heavily lopsided for the Thunder. The matchup last night was a wallop for the West, for sure, but Cleveland showed why they’ve been coolly leading the East and the entire league. Rainbow threes from Mitchell, light lobs over the heads of every Thunder player — just then upturned to watch — between Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen, and fadeaway shots from the corner care of Max Strus.
Seven-game series, please
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.

Home and Away

Analysis
Is there anything Jalen Williams can’t do? Let’s dive in. (The Ringer)

Biz
LeBron James’ business manager is looking for $5 billion in funding to launch a rival basketball league. (ESPN)

Biz
Adam Silver says the league will “tweak” the NBA’s flurry of 3-point shooting. (CBS Sports)

Rumor
Speculation is swirling around the potential trade of John Collins from the Utah Jazz to the Golden State Warriors. This move could significantly impact both teams’ dynamics and playoff hopes. (SLCDunk)

Ranking
The Utah Jazz find themselves ranked in the latest NBA power rankings, reflecting their current performance and standing within the league. (Bleacher Report)

Preview
The Jazz meet the Pelicans in New Orleans at 8:00 PM ET. Read the preview. (NBA)

Fantasy Cheat Sheet

Fantasy Basketball News Roundup: The Tanking In Utah

Locked On - Lauri Markkanen
Jan 11, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) looks on against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images | Joe Camporeale/Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
The Utah Jazz and Portland Trail Blazers are taking tanking to a whole new level. The Jazz have been sitting players like John Collins, Lauri Markkanen, and Walker Kessler for various reasons. While I understand the incentives for tanking, the odds of getting the number one pick are not high. The NBA has been cracking down on teams resting healthy players, but these two franchises seem to be pushing the boundaries.

As a fantasy analyst, I’ve been advising people to avoid high picks from these teams due to the risk of shutdowns and reduced playing time. It’s frustrating to see this level of blatant tanking, especially when it impacts fantasy basketball managers.

The Memphis Grizzlies are another team to watch, with Ja Morant constantly appearing on the injury report. While they’re not tanking like Utah and Portland, Morant’s frequent injuries are concerning for fantasy managers.

In other news, Donte DiVincenzo is out with a toe sprain for the Knicks, which could lead to increased minutes for Mike Conley. However, I wouldn’t rush to add Conley in most leagues.
Plus, how to handle Jimmy Butler’s return

3peat (ICYMI)




TRADE REACTION - Did Utah Jazz get best asset available at the trade deadline


David Locke, radio voice of the Utah Jazz and Jazz NBA Insider, explores the potential impact of the Utah Jazz’s recent trade acquisition: an unprotected 2031 Phoenix Suns first-round pick. He analyzes the value of this asset, comparing it to other potential trades at the deadline and discussing the Jazz’s strategy in accumulating future draft capital. Locke breaks down the complexities of Phoenix’s draft situation and the challenges they may face in rebuilding their roster under current NBA rules.

TRADE REACTION: Utah Jazz trade 3 first rounders for 1 first rounder. Does this make sense?

David Locke, radio voice of the Utah Jazz and Jazz NBA Insider, breaks down the Utah Jazz’s recent trade with the Phoenix Suns. The Jazz traded their lesser first-round picks in 2025, 2027, and 2029 for an unprotected 2031 Phoenix pick. Locke analyzes the trade’s value using his pick valuation system, revealing potential risks and rewards for both teams.


#askloj - NBA trade market insights: How it impacts the Utah Jazz


David Locke, radio voice of the Utah Jazz and Jazz NBA Insider, explores the dynamic trade landscape surrounding the Utah Jazz. He analyzes potential moves involving key players like John Collins, Collin Sexton, and Jordan Clarkson, while highlighting the development of young talents such as Keyonte George. Locke offers a unique perspective on the trade market, suggesting that numerous quality players are available, but none significantly outshine the others.

Listen now
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