The Utah Jazz (32-18) will try to put an end to their five-game losing streak when they square off against the Portland Trail Blazers (24-28) at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The game starts at 10:30 p.m. ET on Friday, February 7, 2020, and will air on ESPN.
Utah is an 8.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 226.5 points at PointsBet.
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Utah Jazz ATS Prediction
The Trail Blazers will be hoping for similar success after covering the 4.5-point spread against the San Antonio Spurs in their last contest, 125-117. The game’s combined points (242) came in well over the O/U total of 225.5. Portland’s 22.5 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over San Antonio, who had a rate of 16.3. The Trail Blazers’ mark was above their season average of 22.1, while the Spurs’ was below the 25.0 mark opponents have averaged against Portland this season. Hassan Whiteside led the way for Portland, putting up 17 points and 23 rebounds.
In the Jazz’s previous game, they let one slip away to the Denver Nuggets, 98-95, despite being 9.5-point favorites. The combined points for the game (193) were well under the projected point total of 217. Denver’s rebounding was their biggest advantage. The Nuggets had 13 offensive rebounds and 52 total rebounds, while the Jazz had seven and 46, respectively. With 16 points and 14 rebounds, Rudy Gobert had a good performance for Utah.
The high-powered offense of Utah (ninth in the league with an offensive efficiency of 110.2) will battle against the mid-tier defense of Portland (24th in the NBA with a defensive efficiency of 111.0). The Jazz figure to have the edge on that end of the court. Also, the Trail Blazers rank third in turnover percentage (12.1 percent), while the Jazz rank 28th in opponents’ turnover percentage (11.8 percent).
Portland heads into the game with records of 24-28 straight up (SU) and 20-29-2 against the spread (ATS). Just over half of the Trail Blazers’ games have finished over the total.
Meanwhile, Utah owns records of 32-18 SU and 24-24-2 ATS. Games including the Jazz also have a slight tendency to finish over the total (52.0 percent).
Both teams have won a game in the season series. The Trail Blazers won the most recent matchup 124-107, covering as 8-point underdogs. The game finished with a total of 231 points, which was just 1 points above the projected point total of 230 points. The Trail Blazers made 15 of their 18 free throws (83.3 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (35.0 vs. 22.9). Lillard put up a double-double in the victory with 51 points and 12 assists.
Trail Blazers vs. Jazz Free Pick
NBA Prediction: ATS Winner – Trail Blazers, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
On the road, Portland is 11-15-1 ATS with 14 unders, 12 overs and 1 push.
At home, Utah is 12-10-1 ATS with 12 overs and 11 unders.
Portland is 4-0 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Utah is 12-2.
When scoring more than 100 points, the Trail Blazers are 24-21 and the Jazz are 31-12.
Portland ranks second in blocks per game (6.4) while Utah ranks 26th (4.0).
The Jazz rank fifth in rebounds allowed per game (43.1) while the Trail Blazers rank 29th (47.7).
Utah ranks third in three pointers allowed per game (30.8) while Portland ranks 25th (35.1).
The Jazz rank ninth in second chance points allowed per game (12.4) while the Trail Blazers rank last (15.7).
Utah ranks first in assists allowed per game (20.8) while Portland ranks 13th (24.0).
The Jazz rank 17th in points in the paint per game (47.4) while the Trail Blazers rank 28th (44.3).
Portland ranks 15th in fast break points per game (13.0) while Utah ranks 26th (10.7).
The Trail Blazers rank third in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.2) while the Jazz rank 13th (16.9).
Portland ranks fourth in steals allowed per game (6.9) while Utah ranks 13th (7.5).
In its last five games, Portland is 4-1 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
Utah is 0-5 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over its last five games.
The Trail Blazers have outscored opponents by an average of 3.6 points in their last five games. For the season, Portland has been defeated by an average of 1.5 points.
During their last five games, the Jazz have scored an average of 107.8 points per game (3.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 116.2 points per game (9.4 above their season average).
