The Utah Jazz, and the Houston Rockets meet for the last time in the regular season of the NBA, with hopes to bounce back from their losses in their previous games. The Jazz is from a loss against the Kings on their last meeting. On the other hand, the Rockets are from a loss against the Pelicans during their previous match. During their previous match, it was the Jazz who took home the victory in a 109-101 win. This meeting will be on January 6, 2023, at 9:00 AM (GMT+8), when the Rockets entertain the Jazz.
The hosts are currently at the bottom spot of the Western Conference with only 10 wins across their names. It is unfortunate that they experienced another loss on their last game, so coming into this game, they are hoping to add win on their record. When it comes at home, they are not doing well in that area as well, winning only six of their 18 matches at home. As for the visitors, they are at the 10th spot of the Western Conference, winning 19 of their 40 games. However, they can no longer afford to lose on their next matches. Their away games is not looking good as well, winning only seven from their 21.
Utah Jazz
The Jazz continues to hang on to their chances of entering the playoffs of the NBA, as they are currently in an unsafe zone at the 10th. Their loss against the Kings on their last match is not a positive sight for them. It weakens their chances of entering the next round, and a loss in this match would possibly drop them from the Top 10. Inconsistency have been their number one problem, especially when it comes to defending the rim. All thanks to their perimeter defense, it is more than enough for them to held on to their spot in the standings. When it comes to offense, the Jazz have no problem as they are currently the 4th with 117.2 points per game. In defense, they are at the 23rd, as they are surrendering as much as 116.6 points per game.
It was Lauri Markkanen who is leading the Jazz when it comes to scoring, averaging 23.9 points per game. Jordan Clarkson is also providing numbers for the Jazz, scoring 20.6 points per game. There will be without Collin Sexton, and Johnny Juzang who are suffering hamstring, and wrist injury respectively.
Houston Rockets
Considering that they are in need of more wins, this squad is hoping to be able to make use of their homecourt advantage in this match. They are currently at the most bottom part of the standings, so a loss would not give them an advantage. Three-point shooting have been their problem, as they failed to consistently fire shots in that area. In fact, they are only shooting 33% from deep, third lowest three-point shooting percentage. They also struggle in the free-throw area, only shooting 77% in that area. They are at the bottom when it comes to offense, as they are only scoring 109.3 points per game. On the other hand, they are the 19th in defense, giving up 115.6 points per game.
Jalen Green continues to lead the Rockets, as he is having 21.4 points per game. He is receiving contributions from Kevin Porter Jr. who is scoring 19.5 points per game. However, they will be without Jae’Sean Tate, who is suffering from ankle injury.
Prediction:
Utah Jazz
Total Under: 119.5
Odds: 0.97
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