The Charlotte Hornets (15-24) square off against the Utah Jazz (17-24) at Spectrum Center. The game gets underway at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, January 12, 2018.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 207.5 points with Charlotte set as a 4-point favorite.
Utah Jazz at Charlotte Hornets Betting Prediction
The Jazz will be hoping for a similar result after edging the Washington Wizards in their last game, 107-104. Utah forced the Wizards into a turnover percentage of 21.2 (above their season average of 12.0). Washington, on the other hand, did a terrific job of making free throws (12-17; 70.6 percent). Utah was led by Ekpe Udoh, who contributed 16 points and nine rebounds.
In the Hornets’ last matchup, they were beaten by the Dallas Mavericks, 115-111. Dallas’ 0.265 free throw rate was their largest advantage over Charlotte, who had a mark of 0.179. The Mavericks’ mark was above their season average of 0.167, while the Hornets’ was below their season average of 0.230. Charlotte’s Kemba Walker put together a solid game, leading both teams in scoring with 41 points on 16-for-28 shooting.
Ball protection could play a significant role in this showdown. Charlotte commits the third-fewest miscues in the NBA (turnover percentage of 12.7 percent), while the disruptive defense of Utah forces the fourth-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 15.7 percent). Also, second chance points figure to be tough to come by for the Jazz. They rank 28th in the NBA in offensive rebounding percentage at 19.6 percent, while the Hornets are the best on the defensive glass (defensive rebounding percentage of 81.4 percent).
Utah heads into the game with records of 17-24 straight up (SU) and 21-20 against the spread (ATS). Of the Jazz’s 41 games, 21 have finished under the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Charlotte is 15-24 SU and 15-20-4 ATS. Similarly to Utah, Hornets games have finished under the projected point total 53.8 percent of the time.
Donovan Mitchell has averaged 22.4 points, 3.8 assists and 1.6 steals over the last five games for Utah.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last matchup, the Jazz won 105-98. The Jazz had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (23.9 vs. 7.0) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.549 vs. 0.506).
Utah Jazz vs. Charlotte Hornets Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Jazz, ATS Winner – Jazz, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Utah is 8-13 ATS on the road with 12 overs, 8 unders and 1 push.
At home, Charlotte is 9-11-1 ATS with 12 unders and 9 overs.
In games where they hold opponents under 100 points, Utah is 10-3 and Charlotte is 7-2.
When scoring above 100 points, the Hornets and Jazz are both 15-10.
Utah ranks second in steals per game (9.2) while Charlotte ranks 28th (6.6).
The Hornets rank third in rebounds per game (46.5) while the Jazz rank 25th (40.7).
Charlotte ranks ninth in second chance points per game (13.3) while Utah ranks 26th (10.4).
The Hornets rank first in points off turnovers allowed per game (13.9) while the Jazz rank 17th (16.6).
Utah ranks fourth in assists allowed per game (20.2) while Charlotte ranks 19th (23.4).
The Jazz rank ninth in three pointers attempted per game (30.1) while the Hornets rank 23rd in three pointers allowed per game (30.4).
Charlotte ranks 15th in points in the paint per game (43.3) while Utah ranks 25th (41.7).
The Hornets rank 23rd in fast break points per game (9.5) while the Jazz rank 26th (9.0).
Utah ranks 17th in blocks per game (4.6) while Charlotte ranks 19th in blocks allowed per game (4.9).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Utah is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Charlotte is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Jazz’s average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 2.6, up from 0.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Hornets have scored an average of 111.8 points per game (6.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 105.2 points per game (1.0 below their season average).
