NBA Picks Today: Jazz vs. Nuggets Odds, Preview & Prediction
Jazz vs. Nuggets Odds
| Jazz Odds | -4.5 |
| Nuggets Odds | +4.5 |
| Over/Under | 222 |
| Date | Wednesday, Jan. 5 |
| Time | 10:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
Tonight, the Utah Jazz and the Denver Nuggets will battle at Ball Arena in the altitude. Though both of these clubs have been perennial playoff contenders in recent seasons, the Jazz and Nuggets have been trending in opposite directions in recent weeks. Utah is 7-1 in their last eight contests, with their lone loss during that span coming to the formidable Golden State Warriors. Denver is only 4-4 in their last eight games, suffering losses to underwhelming opponents such as the Minnesota Timberwolves, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Charlotte Hornets. Oddsmakers are anticipating the Jazz emerging victorious in this one, pricing Utah as 4.5-point road favorites on the spread at online sportsbooks.
Jazz Preview
Per EdgHouse, Utah is 8-4 ATS this season when favored by five points or more on the road. The Jazz have the best Net Rating in the NBA this season away from home, outscoring their opponents by a remarkable 11.7 points per 100 possessions. Typically traveling to the high altitude in Denver is a unique road test for opposing teams. However, Utah’s home arena has the second-highest altitude in the league, sitting over 4,000 feet above sea level, which is much closer in elevation to Denver than it is to any other arena in the league.
If there is any concern for the Jazz heading into this matchup, it is the fact that Rudy Gobert and Bojan Bogdanovic are both listed as questionable for Wednesday’s action. Still, even when Bogdanovic and Gobert have been off of the court together this year, Utah has scored 124.7 points per 100 possessions, and defended well–allowing only 104.3 points per 100 possessions. Regardless of whether these two starters suit up for this one, the Jazz should put together a strong performance.
Nuggets Preview
The Nuggets have been underwhelming thus far in the campaign, ranking only 19th in Net Rating. Even playing at home has not been as big of an advantage as recent years. At Ball Arena this season, Denver is only 8-6 straight up, ranking 15th in Net Rating. Entering play this evening, the Nuggets will be without Vlatko Cancar, P.J. Dozier, Jeff Green, Markus Howard, Monte Morris, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr.. When these players have been off of the floor at the same time, Denver ranks in only the 5th percentile in offensive efficiency, per Cleaning the Glass. It could be difficult for this group to keep up with Utah’s high-powered offensive attack in this contest.
Today’s Pick & Prediction
Per EdgHouse, Denver is only 7-10 ATS at home this year when priced as an underdog. Utah is healthier, more talented, and the league’s best team when playing on the road. There are some minor concerns here for bettors if Gobert and Bogdanovic end up on the sidelines, but Utah is capable of winning this game either way.
If looking to attack the player prop market in this one, PrizePicks has Nikola Jokic’s prop listed at over/under 27.5 points. Jokic has only hit this number in three of his last 10 games, but if Gobert is out of the lineup in this one, there will be very little resistance for him in the paint. As the primary scoring option for the Nuggets, Jokic could be in for a big night. Take the over, pending the final injury report.
PICK: Jazz (-4.5)
PROP: Jokic OVER 27.5 Points
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