Jazz vs. Trail Blazers: Odds, Expert Picks, and Predictions
The Utah Jazz are set to face the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday at Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. The game tips off at 10 p.m. ET. This matchup is important as both teams seek to improve their standings in the NBA.
Current Season Overview
The Jazz currently hold a record of 12 wins and 22 losses, while the Trail Blazers stand at 16 wins and 20 losses. Portland leads the season series 1-0, having won their first encounter 136-134 on October 29 in Salt Lake City. Despite the loss, Utah covered as 3-point underdogs in that matchup.
Key Players and Performances
- Portland’s Deni Avdija delivered an impressive performance with 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists in the previous meeting.
- Shaedon Sharpe also contributed significantly with 18 points, including four 3-pointers.
- Utah’s Lauri Markkanen scored 32 points, and Keyonte George provided 29 points and 8 assists.
Recent Performance Trends
The Trail Blazers have recently had some success, winning 2 of their last 3 games on a road trip, including a victory against the Spurs. They have a 4-1 record against the spread (ATS) in their last five games, with the Under hitting in 7 of their last 9 outings.
The Jazz, however, have dropped three consecutive games but have performed well against the spread, going 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games. Notably, they have covered the spread in 7 straight encounters in this series.
Injury Report
- Jazz: Ace Bailey (hip) – questionable, Walker Kessler (shoulder) – out, Kevin Love (rest) – out, Georges Niang (foot) – out.
- Trail Blazers: Jerami Grant (Achilles) – out, Scoot Henderson (hamstring) – out, Jrue Holiday (calf) – out, Damian Lillard (Achilles) – out.
Betting Odds and Predictions
According to BetMGM Sportsbook, the current betting odds are as follows:
| Bet Type | Jazz | Trail Blazers |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | +190 | -235 |
| Against the Spread | +6.5 (-118) | -6.5 (-102) |
| Over/Under | 241.5 | |
Experts predict a close contest, forecasting a final score with the Trail Blazers at 121 and the Jazz at 116. While betting on the Trail Blazers carries higher risk due to their odds, the Jazz have shown resilience, particularly in covering against the spread.
Final Thoughts
Considering both teams’ recent performances and injury statuses, betting on the Jazz to cover the spread appears to be a wise choice. Additionally, with the total points expected to be high, a bet on the Under may also be appealing given recent trends.
