The Utah Jazz (36-18) clash with the San Antonio Spurs (23-31) at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The game is scheduled to get underway at 9 p.m. ET on Friday, February 21, 2020.
Utah is a 7-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 221.5 points on the William Hill New Jersey Sports Betting App.
San Antonio Spurs at Utah Jazz Free Prediction
The Spurs will be looking for a similar result after topping the Oklahoma City Thunder in their last matchup, 114-106, as 8-point underdogs. The total points for the game (220) finished just over the projected point total of 219.5. The Spurs made 25 of their 27 free throws (92.6 percent) and held the Thunder to an offensive rebounding percentage of 13.3 (below their season average of 19.7). LaMarcus Aldridge played well for San Antonio, recording 25 points and 14 rebounds.
In the Jazz’s previous matchup, they beat the Miami Heat, 116-101, comfortably covering as 5-point favorites. The combined points for the game (217) finished just over the O/U total of 216.5. The Jazz held the Heat to an offensive rebounding percentage of 12.2 (below their season average of 20.9). The Heat had a free throw rate of 0.136 (below their season average of 0.233). With 16 points and 20 rebounds, Rudy Gobert put together a good outing for Utah.
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, DeMar DeRozan scored a game-high 38 points and the Spurs beat the Jazz 127-120, covering as 5-point underdogs. He also recorded five rebounds and five assists. The game finished with a total of 247 points, which was 24.5 points above the projected point total of 222.5 points. San Antonio had a better turnover percentage (8.6 vs. 11.1). Utah, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (27.9 vs. 11.4).
San Antonio comes into the contest with records of 23-31 straight up (SU) and 22-30-2 against the spread (ATS). Of the Spurs’ 54 games, 33 have finished over the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Utah is 36-18 SU and 27-25-2 ATS. Of the Jazz’s 54 games, 29 have finished over the projected point total.
The sweet-shooting offense of Utah (second in the NBA with an effective field goal percentage 0.552) will clash against the porous defense of San Antonio (21st in effective field goal percentage allowed 0.539). The Jazz figure to have the edge on that side of the ball. The Spurs should be expected to protect the ball well. They rank 1st at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 11.8 percent), while the Jazz force the first-fewest turnovers in the league (opponents’ turnover percentage of 11.5 percent).
San Antonio Spurs at Utah Jazz Odds Pick
Free Prediction: ATS Winner – Jazz, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
On the road, San Antonio is 13-13-2 ATS with 19 overs, 8 unders and 1 push.
At home, Utah is 13-11-1 ATS with 14 overs and 11 unders.
San Antonio is 2-0 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Utah is 12-2.
The Spurs are 23-26 when they reach 100 points, while the Jazz are 35-12.
Utah ranks first in assists allowed per game (20.7) while San Antonio ranks 27th (25.7).
The Spurs rank ninth in blocks per game (5.4) while the Jazz rank 29th (3.9).
Utah ranks fourth in three pointers allowed per game (31.6) while San Antonio ranks 21st (34.9).
The Jazz rank 15th in points in the paint per game (48.0) while the Spurs rank 29th (43.6).
San Antonio ranks third in steals allowed per game (6.8) while Utah ranks 15th (7.7).
The Jazz rank fourth in second chance points allowed per game (11.8) while the Spurs rank 16th (13.4).
San Antonio ranks 13th in fast break points per game (13.7) while Utah ranks 25th (10.6).
The Jazz rank fourth in rebounds allowed per game (42.6) while the Spurs rank 16th (45.4).
San Antonio ranks 26th in points off turnovers per game (14.7) while Utah ranks 27th (14.2).
Over its last five games, San Antonio is 1-4 ATS with 5 overs.
Utah is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over its last five games.
The Spurs’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 10.8, up from 1.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Jazz have scored an average of 113.0 points per game (1.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 109.0 points per game (1.8 above their season average).