A low-scoring game should be expected when the Utah Jazz (15-18) and the Oklahoma City Thunder (17-15) clash at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The game can be seen on Fox SportsNet Oklahoma at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 23, 2017.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Utah Jazz ATS Prediction
The last time the Thunder played, they defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 120-117. The Thunder had an absurd offensive rebounding percentage of 42.9 (above their season average of 26.8), while the Hawks had a free throw rate of 0.165 (below the 0.204 mark opponents have averaged against Oklahoma City this season). With 30 points on 12-for-17 shooting, Russell Westbrook was the top scorer from either team.
The Jazz defeated the San Antonio Spurs in their last matchup, 100-89. The Jazz made 20 of their 24 free throws (83.3 percent) and had a turnover percentage of 12.4 (better than their season average of 13.6). Rodney Hood was the top scorer from either team with 29 points on 12-for-24 shooting.
This has potential to be a sloppy game for the offense of Utah. Utah ranks 21st in the league in ball protection (turnover percentage of 14.8 percent), while the pesky defense of Oklahoma City forces the most turnovers in the league (17.0 percent).
Oklahoma City holds records of 17-15 straight up (SU) and 10-20-1 against the spread (ATS). Vegas tends to place the total high when the Thunder are involved, as 19 of their 31 games have ended under the total.
Meanwhile, Utah is 15-18 SU and 18-15 ATS. Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when predicting totals of Jazz games, with 16 overs compared to 16 unders.
The Thunder have won two out of three against the Jazz this season, including a 107-79 blowout in their last matchup. Oklahoma City covered as an 8-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 186 points, which was 11 points below the projected point total of 197 points. Oklahoma City had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.571 vs. 0.404). Utah, meanwhile, did a terrific job of making free throws (20-27; 74.1 percent). Westbrook put up a double-double in the victory with 24 points and 10 rebounds.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Utah Jazz ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Jazz, ATS Winner – Jazz, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Oklahoma City is 4-12 ATS with 9 unders and 7 overs.
At home, Utah is 12-5 ATS with 10 unders and 7 overs.
When holding opponents below 100 points, Utah is 10-2 and Oklahoma City is 12-4.
In games where they reach 100 points, the Thunder are 14-6 and the Jazz are 13-8.
Oklahoma City averages 10.1 steals per game, which ranks first in the NBA. Utah ranks 22nd in steals allowed per game (8.2).
The Thunder rank fifth in second chance points per game (14.3) while the Jazz rank 22nd (10.8).
Utah ranks fifth in three pointers allowed per game (26.2) while Oklahoma City ranks 21st (30.2).
The Thunder average 19.8 points off turnovers per game, which ranks second in the NBA. The Jazz rank 18th in points off turnovers allowed per game (16.9).
Oklahoma City ranks 13th in rebounds per game (43.9) while Utah ranks 26th (40.4).
The Jazz rank second in assists allowed per game (19.3) while the Thunder rank eighth (21.5).
Oklahoma City ranks second in points allowed in the paint per game (40.1) while Utah ranks sixth (41.6).
The Jazz rank fourth in fast break points allowed per game (8.8) while the Thunder rank seventh (9.4).
Utah ranks 10th in blocks per game (5.0) while Oklahoma City ranks 12th in blocks allowed per game (4.7).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Oklahoma City is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Utah is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Thunder’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.8, up from 2.5 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 104.0 points per game (3.4 above their season average).
