Jazz vs. Blazers Prediction
Can the Portland Trail Blazers hold off the Utah Jazz when the two Western Conference foes meet up tonight at 10PM ET?
According to oddsmakers at BetDSI, Portland is the very slim favorite at home in this one, as the Blazers are getting odds of -1 point against the Jazz. The over/under total for the game is listed at 203 points. The home team has won and covered the spread in six straight in this series, including all three meetings this season.
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Portland is coming off a 105-98 win over the Timberwolves on Thursday night to move to 39-40 overall. The Blazers are in the eighth seed in the West right now, 1 game ahead of the Nuggets. Portland has covered the spread in eight of its last nine games, going 38-41 ATS on the season. The Blazers are averaging 108.2 points per game on offense while allowing 108.9 on defense. Over their last five, Portland is putting up 109.6 on offense while giving up 107.6 on defense. Damian Lillard is averaging 26.6 points and 5.9 assists per game while C.J. McCollum adds 23.1 points per contest.
Utah has won two straight and five of its last six to get to 49-30 overall. The Jazz are in the fourth spot in the West right now, 1 game ahead of the Clippers. The Jazz are just 35-41-3 against the spread after going 4-2 ATS in their last six. Utah is averaging 100.8 points per game on offense this season while allowing 96.7 on defense. Over its last five, Utah is putting up 107.2 on offense while giving up 95.8 on defense. Gordon Hayward is leading the team with 22.1 points per game while George Hill adds 16.9 per contest. Hill is doubtful for tonight’s game because of a groin injury.
The Jazz are on the road, but they are still playing some of their best basketball right now. There most recent losses were to the likes of the Spurs and Clippers on the road, but they have still been able to handle their business against lesser teams. This game is important for Portland, but Utah needs a win to stay ahead of the Clippers and keep home-court for the opening round of the playoffs. Expect Utah to be at their best.
NBA DAILY PREDICTION: UTAH JAZZ +1