The San Antonio Spurs (22-10) and the Utah Jazz (14-18), who both like to play patient, will square off at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The game can be seen on TNT at 10:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 21, 2017.
San Antonio Spurs at Utah Jazz Free Prediction
In the Spurs’ last matchup, they beat the Portland Trail Blazers, 93-91. San Antonio’s effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Portland. The Spurs had a rate of 0.550 (above their season average of 0.509), while the Trail Blazers posted a mark of 0.427 (below their season average of 0.502). Pau Gasol was a key piece for San Antonio with 20 points, 17 rebounds and five assists.
The Jazz lost big to the Oklahoma City Thunder in their last matchup, 107-79. Oklahoma City’s 0.571 effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Utah, who had a rate of 0.404. The Thunder’s mark was above their season average of 0.494, while the Jazz’s was below their season average of 0.526. Utah’s Alec Burks recorded 14 points and seven rebounds in the game.
Half-court execution will be critical when two of the NBA’s slowest-paced teams battle. Utah ranks 26th in possessions per game (97.1) and San Antonio is 29th (95.9).
San Antonio comes into the contest with records of 22-10 straight up (SU) and 15-14-2 against the spread (ATS). Of the Spurs’ 31 games with betting action, 17 have finished under the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Utah is 14-18 SU and 17-14 ATS. In opposition of San Antonio, games featuring the Jazz have a slight tendency to finish over the O/U total (51.6 percent).
After splitting four games last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the last contest, the Jazz won 101-97. Utah’s free throw rate was their largest strength over San Antonio. The Jazz had a rate of 0.169, while the Spurs posted a mark of 0.128.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Utah Jazz ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Jazz, ATS Winner – Jazz, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
San Antonio is 4-9-1 ATS on the road with 10 unders, 3 overs and 1 push.
At home, Utah is 11-5 ATS with 9 unders and 7 overs.
Utah is 9-2 when they allow below 100 points, while San Antonio is 14-5.
In games where they reach the century mark, the Spurs are 15-1 and the Jazz are 12-8.
Utah ranks second in steals per game (9.4) while San Antonio ranks 22nd (7.3).
The Spurs rank eighth in rebounds per game (44.8) while the Jazz rank 26th (40.4).
Utah ranks 11th in three pointers attempted per game (30.1) while San Antonio ranks 26th (24.7).
The Spurs rank second in blocks allowed per game (3.7) while the Jazz rank 12th (4.6).
Utah ranks third in fast break points allowed per game (8.9) while San Antonio ranks 13th (10.9).
The Jazz rank eighth in points off turnovers per game (18.2) while the Spurs rank 12th in points off turnovers allowed per game (16.3).
Utah ranks second in assists allowed per game (19.5) while San Antonio ranks sixth (20.9).
The Spurs rank fifth in second chance points allowed per game (11.0) while the Jazz rank sixth (11.1).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, San Antonio is 1-4 ATS with 2 overs, 2 unders and 1 push.
Utah is 2-3 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over their last five games.
The Spurs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 0.2, down from 3.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Jazz have scored an average of 97.0 points per game (5.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 106.8 points per game (5.8 above their season average).
