Mar 3, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) celebrates with guard Gordon Hayward (20) after a score against the Memphis Grizzlies in the second half at FedExForum. Utah defeated Memphis 93-82. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

The Worldwide Leader has spoken–the Utah Jazz will not return to the NBA Playoffs next season. A grim proclamation for fans expecting Gordon Hayward, Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert to lead the team to the promised land in 2015-16, but one that ESPN sees as the likely outcome.

According to ESPN Forecast, the Jazz will finish the season with a 40-42 record. In the predicted standings, this good for ninth in the Western Conference behind Dirk Nowitzki and the 41-41 Dallas Mavericks and one spot above Jeff Hornacek‘s Phoenix Suns squad–

While some would call the prospect of missing the playoffs by one game following a meager two-game improvement for the Jazz an unlikely scenario, the ESPN Forecast panel has an impressive track record with prediction (just ask them). The 200-person panel is comprised of a diverse array of hardwood experts and prognosticators.

Topping the predicted conference standings were the world champion Golden State Warriors, with a projected record of 60-22, followed by the San Antonio Spurs at 57-25. The full rankings break down as follows–

Golden State (60-22) San Antonio (57-25) Houston Rockets (56-26) Los Angeles Clippers (56-26) Oklahoma City Thunder (55-27) Memphis Grizzlies (51-31) New Orleans Pelicans (47-35) Dallas Mavericks (41-41) Utah Jazz (40-42) Phoenix Suns (35-47) Portland Trail Blazers (31-51) Sacramento Kings (31-51) Denver Nuggets (27-55) Los Angeles Lakers (26-56) Minnesota Timberwolves (24-58)

I tend to believe the Jazz will finish above the .500 mark and make a play for the postseason. Still, the injury to Dante Exum and uncertainty on whether or not the team’s incredible defensive performance is sustainable in the long term could be reasons for missing out on playoff action.

I also expect the exciting young roster of the Timberwolves to claw its way to more wins than the panel’s projected 24.

What do you think, Jazz fans? Would you be satisfied with that outcome? Is the Forecast panel off base? Let us know in the comments below or hit Purple & Blues up on Twitter.