THE Utah Jazz will face the Houston Rockets on Saturday in Houston, with kickoff scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. This will be their second meeting of the season, the Rockets having won the previous one 127-126 in overtime.
The Jazz are 29-41 and fourth-last in the Western Conference after winning just two of their last 10 games. They are on a four-game losing streak after being beaten by the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday. Colin Sexton played well in the Jazz’s loss, recording 20 points, four rebounds and five assists, while Lauri Markkanen led the scoring with 21 points.
Meanwhile, the Rockets are 48-21 and putting together a tremendous performance in their quest for a spot in the play-in tournament. They have won nine of their last 10 games and are riding a seven-game winning streak after beating the Chicago Bulls on Thursday.
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Jock Landale scored 17 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and two blocks off the bench to lead the Rockets to victory. Jalen Green led the scoring with 26 points while Dillon Brooks added 23 points to the victory.
Utah Jazz vs. Houston Rockets: Preview, Betting Tips and Predictions
Space City Home Network and KJZZ will broadcast the Jazz-Rockets game live. Fans outside of local areas can watch the contest online via live stream on fuboTV or through NBA League Pass.
Money line: Jazz (+250) against Rockets (-323).
Spread: Jazz (+7.5) vs. Rockets (-7.5).
Total (P/U): -108 (o228.5) / -112 (u228.5).
Utah Jazz vs. Houston Rockets: Preview
The Houston Rockets have been on fire lately as they put together a late-season winning streak to fuel their chances of securing a playoff spot. They will look to continue the streak with home court advantage against the Utah Jazz who are going through a slump and have not been a good away team this season.
For Saturday’s game, the Jazz have four players listed on their injury report: Jordan Clarkson and Lauri Markkanen will be absent for the match. John Collins and Omer Yurtseven are listed as questionable and their involvement will be a game-time decision.
Meanwhile, the Rockets also have four players listed on their injury report: Alperen Sengun and Cam Whitmore are out for the game while Steven Adams and Tari Eason are out for the season.
Utah Jazz vs. Houston Rockets: Starting Lineups
Jazz coach Will Hardy is expected to use a starting lineup consisting of Fred VanVleet (PG), Jalen Green (SG), Amen Thompson (SF), Dillon Brooks (PF) and Jabari Smith Jr (C).
On the other hand, Rockets coach Ime Udoka will likely use a starting lineup consisting of Keyonte George (PG), Kris Dunn (SG), Brice Sensabaugh (SF), Taylor Hendricks (PF) and John Collins ( VS).
Utah Jazz vs. Houston Rockets: Betting Tips
Green Jalen is favored to score more than 27.5 points. He averaged 26.5 points in his last 10 games, one point less than the mainstay. Additionally, he only scored seven points in the Rockets’ last game against the Jazz. Although he has had some very good nights recently, it is advisable to bet on the lower point total.
Fred VanVleet is favored to score over 16.5 points. He’s averaged 17.7 points in his last 10 games and scored less than 18 points in the Rockets’ previous meeting against the Raptors this season. Additionally, he also averages 16.6 points this season. Given the stats, betting on point totals seems solid.
Meanwhile, Keyonte George is expected to score under 19.5 points. George is averaging 12.9 points this season and is averaging 19.0 points in his last 10 games. It is advisable to bet on the under for your total points.
Utah Jazz vs. Houston Rockets: Prediction
THE Houston Rockets have an implied win probability of 76.4% according to the moneyline set by sportsbooks for this match. The Rockets should maintain their winning streak against the Jazz in their quest for a playoff spot.
