The Utah Jazz (24-12) look to continue their six-game winning streak against the New York Knicks (10-27) at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The game gets underway at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 8, 2020.
New York Knicks vs. Utah Jazz Free Prediction
The Knicks are hoping for a better outcome after failing to cover as 10-point underdogs in their 117-87 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in their last outing. The game’s combined points (204) came in well under the O/U total of 220. One of Los Angeles’ largest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 18-21 (85.7 percent), while the Knicks were just 9-16 (56.3 percent). New York’s Julius Randle played well, contributing 15 points and 10 rebounds.
In the Jazz’s previous matchup, they barely escaped the New Orleans Pelicans, 128-126, but failed to cover as 4-point favorites. The combined points for the game (254) were well over the projected point total of 221.5. Utah made 16 of their 33 three pointers (48.5 percent). New Orleans, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (25.0 vs. 16.7). Bojan Bogdanovic was Utah’s leading scorer with 35 points on 11-for-21 shooting from the field.
Utah could have their way on defense as they go head-to-head against one of the league’s worst offenses. The Jazz currently rank fourth in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.500), while New York is 28th in effective field goal percentage (0.493). Additionally, the Knicks are among the NBA’s elite on the offensive backboards, ranking second in offensive rebounding percentage (24.9 percent). The Jazz, meanwhile, rank fifth at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 79.2 percent.
New York holds records of 10-27 straight up (SU) and 18-17-1 against the spread (ATS). Of the Knicks’ 36 games that accepted bets, 21 have finished under the projected point total.
Utah is 24-12 SU, but they have a hard time covering the spread (16-18-2 ATS). Much like New York, games including the Jazz have a slight tendency to go under the projected point total (52.8 percent).
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Randle (23 points,11.6 rebounds,3.6 assists) has been stellar for the Knicks while Joe Ingles (14 points,6.4 assists) has made great contributions to the Jazz.
After the Jazz won both meetings against the Knicks last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last matchup, Utah won 137-116. The Jazz made 21 of their 25 free throws (84.0 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (9.4 vs. 12.8).
Knicks at Jazz Pick
Free Prediction: ATS Winner – Jazz, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
On the road, New York is 11-8 ATS with 10 overs and 9 unders.
Utah is 7-8-1 ATS at home with 9 overs and 7 unders.
Utah is 9-1 when they allow below 100 points, while New York is 3-1.
The Knicks are 9-17 when they score more than 100 points, while the Jazz are 23-7.
New York ranks fourth in second chance points per game (14.7) while Utah ranks last (10.6).
The Jazz rank fifth in three pointers allowed per game (31.8) while the Knicks rank 26th (35.1).
New York ranks 13th in steals per game (7.7) while Utah ranks 29th (5.8).
The Jazz rank first in assists allowed per game (20.5) while the Knicks rank 13th (23.9).
New York ranks 18th in blocks per game (4.8) while Utah ranks 28th (4.1).
The Jazz rank 20th in points in the paint per game (46.2) while the Knicks rank 27th (43.8).
New York ranks 18th in points off turnovers per game (16.6) while Utah ranks 25th (14.6).
The Jazz rank 14th in rebounds per game (45.6) while the Knicks rank 20th in rebounds allowed per game (46.3).
Utah ranks 27th in fast break points per game (10.7) while New York ranks 29th (10.3).
Over its last five contests, New York is 4-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Utah is 4-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over its last five games.
The Knicks’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 2.0, down from 7.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Jazz have scored an average of 112.6 points per game (4.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 101.6 points per game (4.3 below their season average).
