The effect of Bogdanovic out for the Jazz is not that big compared to LA out for spurs, so I would still bet on the Jazz here as they are very well playing as a team. Since there is no home court advantage in this series, I'll always consider betting the Jazz on whichever team they will play, without Bogdanovic which is a big contributor, I think they will be an underdog and I like that.
That is true, with Mitchell, Gobert, Conley and Clarkson Utah has much deeper roster than Spurs, but they might face some tough teams in the first round of playoff. Currenty they are 4th seeded, with 1 win advantage over Oklahoma, Rockets and Dallas. If they manage somehow to keep spots 4 and 5, I would say that their chances in first round are still pretty solid, but in case they slip to 6th or 7th place, that means they would face Nuggets/Clippers/Lakers in the first round, and we all know that means end for them. Without Bogdanovic they could easily slip to those spots.
At least they have pretty good schedule for those 8 games that gives them chances to finish top 4: Thunder, Pelicans, Grizzlies, Lakers, Lakers, Spurs, Spurs, Mavericks.
With Nuggets, the chances are higher if Gobert will be the same as how he defends tall guys like Jokic.
It is true though it will be better to stay in the middle.
Clarkson had been scoring good numbers in his season and I think they will need him more at the playoffs without Bogdanovic.
I am worried about players avoiding injuries at those 8 games. It could affect the way they play knowing they are already at safe spot.
They should be reminded it is just 1 win away from the 5th to the 7th rank.