The Cleveland Cavaliers (21-8) welcome the Utah Jazz (14-15) in a matchup that pits sensational offense against superb defense. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 16, 2017, and will air on Fox Sports – Ohio.
Cleveland opened as an 8.5-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 210 points.
Utah Jazz at Cleveland Cavaliers ATS Prediction
In the Jazz’s last matchup, they beat the Boston Celtics, 107-95. Utah’s rebounding was their largest advantage. The Jazz had more offensive rebounds (nine vs. two), defensive rebounds (46 vs. 29) and total rebounds (55 vs. 31). Utah rallied around Ricky Rubio, who was the team’s leading scorer with 22 points on 10-for-15 shooting.
The Cavaliers beat the Los Angeles Lakers in their last outing, 121-112. The Cavaliers made 20 of their 25 free throws (80.0 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (12.6 vs. 15.1). With 25 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists, LeBron James led the way for Cleveland with his third triple-double of the year.
The game should be a showdown of strength against strength as the productive offense of Cleveland takes on the top-notch defense of Utah. The Cavaliers rank third in offensive efficiency, while the Jazz are fourth in defensive efficiency.
Utah holds records of 14-15 straight up (SU) and 15-13 against the spread (ATS). Jazz games have a slight tendency to finish over the total (50.0 percent).
Cleveland has a phenomenal 21-8 SU record, but they have a difficult time covering the spread (10-18-1 ATS). Games including the Cavaliers have typically gone over the total (55.2 percent).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Donovan Mitchell (24.4 points, 3.6 assists and 2.2 steals) has been stellar for the Jazz while James (27.8 points, 10.6 assists, 9.6 rebounds and 2.2 steals) has contributed greatly to the Cavaliers.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Cavaliers won the most recent matchup 91-83. The Cavaliers had a much better turnover percentage (9.6 vs. 15.4) and had a better offensive rebounding percentage (22.9 vs. 19.6).
Utah Jazz at Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Jazz, ATS Winner – Jazz, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Utah is 4-8 ATS on the road with 7 overs, 4 unders and 1 push.
Cleveland is 2-13-1 ATS at home with 9 overs and 7 unders.
Utah is 9-2 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Cleveland is 9-0.
The Cavaliers are 21-6 when they reach the century mark, while the Jazz are 12-7.
Utah ranks second in assists allowed per game (18.8) while Cleveland ranks 28th (25.3).
The Jazz rank fourth in three pointers allowed per game (26.1) while the Cavaliers rank 28th (32.1).
Utah ranks third in steals per game (9.4) while Cleveland ranks 22nd (7.0).
The Jazz rank seventh in blocks per game (5.2) while the Cavaliers rank 25th (3.9).
Utah ranks fifth in points allowed in the paint per game (41.2) while Cleveland ranks 20th (45.3).
The Jazz rank fifth in points off turnovers per game (18.9) while the Cavaliers rank 15th in points off turnovers allowed per game (16.6).
Utah ranks second in fast break points allowed per game (8.3) while Cleveland ranks ninth (9.9).
The Cavaliers rank 22nd in rebounds per game (41.9) while the Jazz rank 26th (40.8).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Utah is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Cleveland is 1-4 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Jazz have been outscored by an average of 5.0 points in their last five games. For the season, Utah has defeated opponents by an average of 3.2 points.
During their last five games, the Cavaliers have scored an average of 110.4 points per game (0.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 105.0 points per game (2.6 below their season average).
