The Utah Jazz (41-23) can lengthen a six-game road winning streak when they meet the Oklahoma City Thunder (40-24) at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Action starts at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 11, 2020.
Utah Jazz at Oklahoma City Thunder Odds Preview
The Jazz lost to the Toronto Raptors in their last game, 101-92, despite being 6-point favorites. With 20 points on 8-for-12 shooting, Joe Ingles was Utah’s leading scorer. Toronto had an offensive rebounding percentage of 33.3 (above their season average of 21.4). Utah, meanwhile, forced the Raptors into a turnover percentage of 16.5 (above their season average of 12.1). The two teams combined to put up 193 points, which was well under the O/U total of 224.5.
The last time the Thunder played, they edged the Boston Celtics, 105-104, as 6.5-point underdogs. Oklahoma City received a boost from Chris Paul, who was the game’s high scorer with 28 points on 9-for-19 shooting. The Thunder made 25 of their 34 free throws (73.5 percent) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.506 vs. 0.484). Combined, the two teams scored 209 points, which finished under the O/U total of 216.5.
Half-court execution will be at a premium when a pair of the NBA’s slowest-paced teams go head-to-head. Oklahoma City currently ranks 23rd in possessions per game (100.7) and Utah is 29th (100.1).
Of Utah’s 64 games, 33 have finished over the O/U total, while 33 of Oklahoma City’s 64 games have finished under the projected point total. Both teams have respectable straight up (SU) records (41-23 for Utah; 40-24 for Oklahoma City), but the Thunder have the advantage against the spread (ATS). Oklahoma City is 39-24-1 ATS, while the Jazz are 29-32-3.
These two teams have already met twice this year, each winning once. In the most recent game, the Jazz lost 104-90, unable to cover as 8.5-point favorites. Rudy Gobert recorded 19 points and 17 rebounds. The two teams combined for 194 points, which was 12 points below the projected point total of 206 points. The Thunder played a nearly perfect game. They had a free throw rate of 0.188 and a superb turnover percentage of 9.7. The Jazz had marks of 0.112 and 12.9, respectively, for those same stats.
Utah Jazz at Oklahoma City Thunder Free Prediction
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Jazz, ATS Winner – Jazz, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
The Thunder rank 17th in points off turnovers per game (16.8) while the Jazz rank last (14.0).
Utah ranks 23rd in second chance points per game (12.3) while Oklahoma City ranks last (10.6).
Utah ranks 13th in rebounds per game (45.1) while Oklahoma City ranks 26th (42.7).
Utah ranks 16th in points in the paint per game (47.7) while Oklahoma City ranks 17th in points allowed in the paint per game (48.8).
Utah is 16-16-1 ATS on the road with 17 overs and 16 unders.
At home, Oklahoma City is 16-16-1 ATS with 16 overs, 16 unders and 1 push.
In games where they allow under 100 points, Oklahoma City is 7-3 and Utah is 13-2.
The Thunder are 39-14 when they reach 100 points, while the Jazz are 39-16.
The Thunder rank first in fast break points allowed per game (10.5) while the Jazz rank ninth (12.6).
Utah ranks 12th in three pointers attempted per game (34.4) while Oklahoma City ranks 27th (29.3).
The Thunder rank first in steals allowed per game (6.7) while the Jazz rank 15th (7.8).
The Jazz lead the league with 21.2 assists allowed per game while the Thunder are fifth with 23.1 assists allowed per game.
Oklahoma City ranks 15th in blocks per game (5.0) while Utah ranks 29th (4.0).
Bettings Trends:
Oklahoma City is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs in its last five games.
Over its last five outings, Utah is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
The Thunder have been outscored by an average of 6.2 points in their last five games. On the season, Oklahoma City has defeated opponents by an average of 2.5 points.
During their last five games, the Jazz have scored an average of 108.0 points per game (3.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 103.4 points per game (4.5 below their season average).
