Jazz can clinch playoff spot on Tuesday

NBA • Utah isn't eliminated with a loss, but the Jazz would then need help.

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

As the Jazz head into the penultimate regular-season game of the year, things are pretty simple.

If the Jazz beat the Suns on Tuesday night in Energy Solutions Arena, they clinch a spot in the playoffs. Which lends a bit of a playoff-feel to the 8:30 p.m. game.

If they lose, not all is lost. Utah would have to beat the Trailblazers on Thursday night — another home game — and the Suns would have to lose to the San Antonio Spurs that same night.

The Jazz have yet to beat the Suns this season. Utah lost to Phoenix on March 14, and the Suns beat the Jazz on their home floor on April 4. —

Jazz vs. Suns

When • Tuesday, April 24, 8:30 p.m.

Where • EnergySolutions Arena, 301 W. South Temple

Tickets • $17-$164, available at the box office or at utahjazz.com