The Houston Rockets (28-17) travel to Utah to play the Jazz (32-13) in what should be a high-scoring game. The game will air on NBATV at 9 p.m. ET on Monday, January 27, 2020.
Houston Rockets at Utah Jazz Free Prediction
The Rockets failed to cover as 5.5-point favorites in their 117-110 loss to the Denver Nuggets in their last contest. The total points for the game (227) finished under the projected point total of 234.5. Denver’s 12.1 turnover percentage was their largest strength over Houston, who had a mark of 13.8. The Nuggets’ mark was worse than their season average of 11.3. Russell Westbrook was the game’s high scorer with 32 points on 14-for-29 shooting.
In the Jazz’s last matchup, they beat the Dallas Mavericks, 112-107, covering as 3.5-point favorites. The game’s total points (219) finished under the O/U total of 227. The Jazz knocked down 17 of their 22 free throws (77.3 percent) and held the Mavericks to an offensive rebounding percentage of 19.2 (below their season average of 24.9). With 22 points, 17 rebounds and five blocks, Utah’s Rudy Gobert put together a good outing.
After the Rockets won six out of nine contests against the Jazz last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. In the last matchup, Houston won 100-93. Houston had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.525 vs. 0.420). Utah, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (27.5 vs. 21.4).
Houston holds records of 28-17 straight up (SU) and 22-22 against the spread (ATS). Of the Rockets’ 44 games that accepted bets, 25 have finished under the total.
Meanwhile, Utah owns records of 32-13 SU and 24-19-2 ATS. In opposition of Houston, just over half of Jazz games have finished over the projected point total.
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Westbrook (34 points,10.6 rebounds,9.8 assists,2.2 steals) has been great for the Rockets while Gobert (22 points,15.2 rebounds,2.4 blocks) has contributed greatly to the Jazz.
This battle figures to be a high-scoring affair as two of the NBA’s premier offenses battle. Utah currently ranks fifth with 110.7 points per 100 possessions and Houston is third (111.6). This contest should be a battle of conflicting styles. The fast-breaking Rockets rank fourth in possessions per game, while the more methodical Jazz rank 28th.
Houston Rockets at Utah Jazz ATS Pick
Free Pick: ATS Winner – Jazz, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Houston is 11-11 ATS on the road with 14 unders and 8 overs.
Utah is 12-8-1 ATS at home with 11 overs and 10 unders.
When holding opponents below 100 points, Houston is 3-0 and Utah is 12-1.
When scoring over 100 points, the Jazz are 31-8 and the Rockets are 28-15.
Utah ranks first in assists allowed per game (20.8) while Houston ranks 28th (25.7).
The Jazz rank third in three pointers allowed per game (30.8) while the Rockets rank 26th (35.5).
Houston ranks eighth in points off turnovers per game (17.7) while Utah ranks 27th (14.7).
The Jazz rank fourth in rebounds allowed per game (43.0) while the Rockets rank 23rd (46.4).
Houston ranks 12th in steals per game (7.9) while Utah ranks 29th (6.0).
The Jazz rank 11th in fast break points allowed per game (12.5) while the Rockets rank 28th (15.8).
Utah ranks fifth in second chance points allowed per game (12.0) while Houston ranks 20th (13.7).
The Rockets rank 13th in blocks per game (5.1) while the Jazz rank 26th (4.1).
Utah ranks 14th in points in the paint per game (48.0) while Houston ranks 23rd in points allowed in the paint per game (51.1).
In its last five contests, Houston is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Utah is 4-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over its last five games.
The Rockets’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 0.4, down from 4.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Jazz have scored an average of 122.8 points per game (11.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 106.0 points per game (0.2 above their season average).
