The Sacramento Kings (23-47) visit Utah to play the Jazz (39-30) in what should be a low-scoring game. The game will air on NBC Sports – California at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 17, 2018.
Utah is a 14.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 200 points.
Sacramento Kings vs. Utah Jazz Free Prediction
In the Kings’ last outing, they topped the Golden State Warriors, 98-93. Sacramento’s offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over Golden State. The Kings had a rate of 26.2 (above their season average of 21.6), while the Warriors posted a mark of 20.0. Sacramento was led by Buddy Hield, who was the team’s high scorer with 22 points on 7-for-13 shooting.
The Jazz won big over the Phoenix Suns in their last contest, 116-88. The Jazz had an absurdly low turnover percentage of 5.9 (better than their season average of 13.4) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 25.0 (above their season average of 21.0). With 21 points and 13 rebounds, Utah’s Rudy Gobert put together a solid performance.
Half-court execution will be at a premium when two of the league’s slowest-paced teams go head-to-head. Utah ranks 28th in possessions per game (97.1) and Sacramento is 26th (97.3). Also, the Kings’ 28th-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 102.3) will face off against the Jazz’s second-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 102.3).
Sacramento comes into the contest with records of 23-47 straight up (SU) and 32-34-3 against the spread (ATS). Of the Kings’ 69 games that accepted bets, 37 have finished over the projected point total.
Meanwhile, Utah owns records of 39-30 SU and 38-31 ATS. Games featuring the Jazz tend to finish under the O/U total (55.1 percent).
Gobert and Joe Ingles have played well over the last five games for Utah. Gobert has averaged 17.8 points, 13.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. Not to be outdone, Ingles has put up 16.4 points, 6.6 assists, 5.2 rebounds and 1.6 steals a game during that span.
The Jazz have won both games against the Kings this season, including a 98-91 victory in their last matchup. Utah was unable to cover as a 7.5-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 189 points, which was 12 points below the projected point total of 201 points. The Jazz had a better free throw rate (0.232 vs. 0.157) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.482 vs. 0.433). Gobert put up a double-double in the victory with 16 points and 12 rebounds.
Sacramento Kings vs. Utah Jazz Odds Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Jazz, ATS Winner – Kings, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Sacramento is 16-16-3 ATS with 18 overs, 16 unders and 1 push.
At home, Utah is 20-14 ATS with 22 unders and 12 overs.
When allowing less than 100 points, Utah is 27-5 and Sacramento is 14-5.
The Kings are 16-20 when they reach the century mark, while the Jazz are 30-11.
Utah ranks fourth in three pointers allowed per game (26.6) while Sacramento ranks last (32.0).
The Jazz rank first in assists allowed per game (19.8) while the Kings rank 23rd (24.3).
Utah ranks third in fast break points allowed per game (9.9) while Sacramento ranks 22nd (12.6).
The Jazz rank fifth in rebounds allowed per game (41.9) while the Kings rank 22nd (44.0).
Sacramento ranks ninth in steals per game (8.1) while Utah ranks 25th in steals allowed per game (8.3).
The Jazz rank 12th in blocks per game (4.9) while the Kings rank 26th (4.1).
Utah ranks third in second chance points allowed per game (10.8) while Sacramento ranks 12th (11.9).
The Jazz rank fourth in points allowed in the paint per game (41.9) while the Kings rank sixth (42.3).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Sacramento is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Utah is 5-0 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Kings’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 3.2, down from 7.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Jazz have scored an average of 108.2 points per game (5.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 85.6 points per game (14.3 below their season average).
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