The Utah Jazz (18‑43) will take on the Washington Wizards (16‑45) on Thursday night in an intriguing matchup between two of the National Basketball Association’s worst teams. Both squads have struggled for consistency throughout the season, yet one of these teams will come out of Thursday night with a win at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. Find out who I think that will be below, as I make my Jazz vs Wizards prediction in the NBA.
Our Jazz vs Wizards Pick
Pick:
Confidence: 1 out of 5
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: Utah Jazz @ Washington Wizards
- Date & Time: Thursday, March 5, 2026, 7:00 PM ET
- Venue: Capital One Arena, Washington, DC
- Broadcast: NBA League Pass
Key Storylines
Both the Jazz and Wizards sit near the bottom of the league standings, and this game carries implications not just for pride but also potentially for draft positioning. Washington comes in as a slight favorite according to early betting lines, and home court could play a role in shaping the outcome. Trae Young is expected to make his debut for the Wizards, adding a dynamic scoring and playmaking presence to a roster that has largely struggled this season. On the Utah side, they are on the second game of a back-to-back here, following a respectable loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday.
Key Players
Washington Wizards
- Trae Young – Expected to play his first game with the Wizards, Young’s ability to create offense and distribute the ball makes him a pivotal figure for Washington’s scoring output and tempo control.
- Bub Carrington – Carrington contributes as a facilitator, averaging 4.6 assists, which helps keep the offense flowing even when Washington’s shots aren’t falling consistently.
Utah Jazz
- Keyonte George – Utah’s emerging playmaker has been a standout this season, often leading the team’s scoring and assisting efforts, and his progression is critical for the Jazz to maintain offensive rhythm.
- Ace Bailey – Averaging around 15 points per game in his recent stretch, Bailey provides Utah with perimeter scoring and has the capacity to stretch defenses with his shooting touch. He has been very important with Lauri Markkanen and other key members of the Jazz out.
Stat Comparison
| Statistic | Utah Jazz | Washington Wizards |
|---|---|---|
| Points per game | 117.9 | 112.2 |
| Points allowed per game | 125.5 | 123.0 |
| Team Field Goal % | 47% | 46% |
| Rebounds Per Game | 43.8 | 43.0 |
| Assists Per Game | 29.7 | 25.1 |
Head-to-Head & Betting Trends
- This is the first of two meetings between the Jazz and Wizards this season.
- Washington is 26-35 against the spread this season.
- Utah is 33-29 against the spread for the year.
Jazz vs Wizards Model Projection
Score Projection:
Win Probability:
Final Thoughts
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