The Utah Jazz (40-22) will attempt to lengthen a five-game road winning streak when they go head-to-head with the Detroit Pistons (20-43) at Little Caesars Arena. Utah is an 8-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 214 points. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 7, 2020.

Utah Jazz vs. Detroit Pistons ATS Preview

In the Jazz’s last matchup, they defeated the Boston Celtics, 99-94, but were unable to cover as 9-point favorites. Mike Conley led Utah in scoring with 25 points on 9-for-16 shooting. Utah’s effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over Boston. The Jazz had a rate of 0.556 (above their season average of 0.553), while the Celtics posted a mark of 0.426 (below their season average of 0.531). The two teams combined to put up 193 points, which was well under the projected point total of 220.

Although the Pistons were defeated by the Oklahoma City Thunder in their last outing, 114-107, they were able to cover as 9-point underdogs. Christian Wood was the game’s high scorer with 29 points on 12-for-16 shooting. Oklahoma City did an excellent job of converting from the free throw line (12-17; 70.6 percent). Detroit, meanwhile, held the Thunder to an offensive rebounding percentage of 6.9 (below their season average of 19.4). The two squads collectively scored 221 points, which was over the O/U total of 209.

These two teams have already met once this season. In that game, the two teams combined for 185 points, well under the projected point total of 218. The Jazz won 104-81, covering as 10-point favorites. The Jazz played a nearly flawless game. They had an effective field goal percentage of 0.530 and a turnover percentage of 13.2. For those same stats, the Pistons put up marks of 0.405 and 16.0, respectively. Rudy Gobert put up a double-double in the victory with 13 points and 19 rebounds.

Of Utah’s 61 games with betting action, 32 have finished over the O/U total, while 38 of Detroit’s 63 games have finished over the projected point total. The Jazz come into this game with much better straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records. They are 40-22 SU and 28-30-3 ATS, while the Pistons are 20-43 SU and 25-36-2 ATS.

Both teams have had a player trending in the right direction over their last five games. For the Jazz, it’s been Conley, who has averaged 14 points,4.4 assists, while the Pistons have received solid contributions from Wood (21 points,10.2 rebounds,1.2 blocks).

Half-court execution will be at a premium when a pair of the league’s slowest-paced teams clash. Detroit currently ranks 25th in possessions per game (100.5) and Utah is 27th (100.3). Also, the elite offense of the Jazz ranks second in effective field goal percentage (0.553), while the Pistons are eighth-worst in the NBA at effective field goal percentage allowed (0.541).

Utah Jazz at Detroit Pistons Betting Prediction

Pick: SU Winner – Jazz, ATS Winner – Pistons, O/U – Over

Notes

Betting Notes:

The Jazz rank 12th in rebounds per game (45.4) while the Pistons rank 28th (42.0).

Detroit ranks 21st in points off turnovers per game (16.0) while Utah ranks last (14.0).

Detroit ranks 19th in steals per game (7.4) while Utah ranks 29th (5.7).

Detroit ranks 26th in fast break points per game (11.1) while Utah ranks 27th (10.6).

Utah is 15-15-1 ATS on the road, while Detroit is 12-20 ATS at home.

The Jazz have 16 overs and 15 unders in 31 road games.

The Pistons have 22 overs, 9 unders and 1 push in 32 home games.

Utah is 13-2 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Detroit is 4-3.

The Pistons are 19-30 when they score more than 100 points, while the Jazz are 38-16.

The Jazz rank fifth in second chance points allowed per game (11.9) while the Pistons rank 15th (13.0).

Utah ranks first in assists allowed per game (21.1) while Detroit ranks 20th (24.8).

The Jazz rank ninth in points allowed in the paint per game (46.3) while the Pistons rank 27th (52.1).

The Pistons are second in the league with 29.6 three pointers allowed per game while the Jazz are third with 31.5 three pointers allowed per game.

Utah ranks 11th in blocks allowed per game (4.6) while Detroit ranks 27th (5.7).

Bettings Trends:

Detroit is 4-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders in its last five games.

Across its past five outings, Utah is 1-3-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.

The Pistons’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 6.2, up from 3.2 for the season.

During their last five games, the Jazz have scored an average of 113.8 points per game (2.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 108.8 points per game (0.8 above their season average).