One of two marquee match ups tonight features the Philadelphia 76ers playing against the Utah Jazz. While the two squads have very different records so far, they should both be playoff contenders by the end of the season. This makes for a great game to watch and bet on because the competition will definitely be brought to this game.
Philadelphia 76ers (5-1) @ Utah Jazz (4-3)
Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers will finally have their superstar big man Joel Embiid back after serving his 2 game suspension. Without him, Philly lost their first game of the season against the scorching Phoenix Suns. They’ll definitely appreciate having his dominant presence once again versus the Jazz tonight.
- After winning 5 in a row, the 76ers lost their last game against Phoenix.
- Philly currently has a 3-1 road record.
- Their entire starting lineup is averaging double digit scoring. Embiid (23.3), Harris (20.3), Horford (18.8), Simmons (15.0), and Richardson (13.0).
- The 76ers lead the league in steals at 3 per game. Simmons leads the league at 3.3 per game while rookie Matisse Thybulle is tied for 2nd at 2.3 a game.
- Philadelphia is an excellent rebounding team. They’re 6th in the league at 2 per game, but they also lead the league in limiting opponent rebounds, allowing just 38.5 each game.
- Despite being great at forcing opponent turnovers, Philly’s one weak spot is their own turnovers with 5 per game, 2nd worst in the league.
- The 76ers did not cover the point spread last game, but they are 4-2 on the season.
Utah Jazz
The Jazz have had a slow and disappointing start to the season. Youngster Donovan Mitchell has been fantastic, but one of their key offseason acquisitions (Mike Conley has been lackluster. There’s no question Utah will figure it out sometime soon, but can it come against one of the league’s best lineups?
- After a 3-game winning streak, Utah has lost their last 2 games in a row.
- The Jazz have been solid at home, currently sitting at 3-0 on the season.
- There are 4 players scoring in double digits, including Mitchell (7), Bogdanovic (20.2), Conley (12.4), and Gobert (10.9).
- Mike Conley must be better for Utah to win come playoff time. He is averaging just 4 points and 3.9 assists on a paltry 31.8% shooting from the field and 28.2% from deep to go with his team-leading 3.1 turnovers a game.
- The Jazz are one of the league’s best defensive teams, leading the league in lowest opponent scoring at 6 per game. They are also top 5 in lowest opponent shooting percentage from the field and from three, allowing 41.7% field goal shooting and 31% from deep.
- Utah is the worst rebounding team in the league at just 4 per game while allowing 41.3 to opponents.
- The Jazz have not covered the point spread in their last 2 games and are just 2-5 on the season.
Pick: Philadelphia 76ers +2.0
Even though the Jazz are one of the best defensive teams in the league, they don’t score very many points on offense. Now they’re playing against one of the best teams in the league and just don’t look like they have the firepower to compete. Philly will be rejuvenated by the return of Joel Embiid and will translate that into a victory. This is why you should take the points tonight and bet on the Philadelphia 76ers to win.