For Utah Jazz fans, the release of the 2025-26 schedule did not mean it was time to start scouring the calendar in search of the most meaningful matchups as it pertains to postseason hopes.

There’s no reason to sugarcoat the situation — we’re headed for another tough season filled with Jazz losses. But, there are still games on the 82-game schedule that are worth circling.

Return games

The Jazz’s home opener against the Los Angeles Clippers on Oct. 22 will bring John Collins back to Utah for the first time since the trade that sent him westward, and on Jan. 10, Collin Sexton will be back for the first time since the Charlotte Hornets acquired him.

But, by far the most anticipated return of the season will come on March 11 when Jordan Clarkson and the New York Knicks visit the Delta Center. Clarkson was a fan favorite to Jazz faithful for the last six years and broke the Jazz’s triple-double drought in 2024. He’ll definitely enjoy a warm welcome in his return.

Rising stars

Fans will certainly pack the arena to see the usual superstar players like LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic. But the up-and-coming, young stars of the league could provide some of the most exciting games of the season.

You’ll want to mark your calendars for days when the Jazz play the San Antonio Spurs (Dec. 27, Jan. 19, Jan. 22), Dallas Mavericks (Jan. 8, Jan. 15, Jan. 17), Philadelphia 76ers (March 4, March 21) and Washington Wizards (March 5, March 25).

These games will pit the Jazz’s young team against the likes of Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, Cooper Flagg, V.J. Edgecombe, Jared McCain, Alex Sarr and Tre Johnson.

Lottery sweepstakes

Much like last season, games against the other lottery-bound teams could end up mattering quite a bit for the Jazz.

As they look toward another losing season with hopes of landing a top-tier rookie — like AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson or Cam Boozer — the Jazz will want to lose games against the other bottom-dwelling teams in the NBA.

So pay close attention to games against the Wizards, Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets and any other team that emerges with potential for capturing the worst record of the season.

AJ Dybantsa, the nation’s No. 1 basketball recruit, is presented at halftime of the BYU and Fresno State game at the Marriott Center in Provo on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News