The Utah Jazz (26-12) look to continue their eight-game winning streak against the Washington Wizards (13-25) at Capital One Arena. The game begins at 3:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 12, 2020.
Utah Jazz vs. Washington Wizards Free Prediction
In the Jazz’s last outing, they covered the 12.5-point spread against the Charlotte Hornets, 109-92. The total points for the game (201) were under the O/U total of 209.5. The Jazz forced 20 turnovers and held the Hornets to an offensive rebounding percentage of 18.4 (below their season average of 24.0). Rudy Gobert led the way for Utah, contributing 15 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks.
The Wizards beat the Atlanta Hawks in their last contest, 111-101, despite being 1.5-point underdogs. The total points for the game (212) were well under the O/U total of 238. The Wizards forced 18 turnovers and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 28.8 (above their season average of 22.5). Jordan McRae was the game’s top scorer with 29 points on 10-for-26 shooting from the field.
This game should be a showdown of opposite tempos. Washington prefers a fast-paced style of play (seventh in possessions per game), while Utah likes to grind-it-out (28th in possessions per game). Additionally, the sweet-shooting offense of the Jazz ranks third in effective field goal percentage (0.545), while the Wizards are the worst in the league at effective field goal percentage allowed (0.554).
Utah comes into the game with records of 26-12 straight up (SU) and 18-18-2 against the spread (ATS). Of the Jazz’s 38 games, 20 have finished under the total.
Meanwhile, Washington is 13-25 SU and 20-18 ATS. Games featuring the Wizards tend to finish over the projected point total (55.3 percent).
After the Jazz won both contests against the Wizards last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent matchup, Utah won 128-124. Utah did a terrific job of making free throws (18-18; 100.0 percent). Washington, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (10.8 vs. 15.9).
Jazz vs. Wizards Free Pick
NBA Prediction:Â ATS Winner – Jazz, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Washington ranks fifth in points off turnovers per game (18.3) while Utah ranks 28th (14.8).
Washington ranks 16th in fast break points per game (12.7) while Utah ranks 26th (10.5).
The Jazz rank third in three pointers allowed per game (31.4) while the Wizards rank 12th (33.0).
Utah is 9-10-1 ATS on the road, while Washington is 9-9 ATS at home.
Over its last five contests, Utah is 4-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Washington is 3-2 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over its last five games.
The Jazz’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 12.0, up from 3.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Wizards have scored an average of 106.0 points per game (8.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 110.8 points per game (8.9 below their season average).
