Offense meets defense when the Houston Rockets (1-2) welcome the Utah Jazz (1-2) to Toyota Center. The game will air on ATTSN Southwest at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, October 24, 2018.
Houston opened as a 2.5-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 220 points.
Utah Jazz vs. Houston Rockets Free Prediction
The Jazz failed to cover as 11-point favorites in their 92-84 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies in their last outing. The game’s combined points (176) finished well under the O/U total of 213.5. Memphis’ 9.5 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Utah, who had a rate of 14.0. Rudy Gobert had a solid game for Utah, putting up 11 points and 12 rebounds.
In the Rockets’ last matchup, they lost a tough one against the Los Angeles Clippers, 115-112. They were unable to cover as 2.5-point underdogs. The combined points for the game (227) came in over the O/U total of 220.5. Los Angeles was successful at getting to and converting from the charity stripe. The Clippers made 26 of their 26 free throws (100.0 percent), while the Rockets were 11-15 (73.3 percent). With 31 points on 11-for-26 shooting, James Harden was the game’s high scorer.
This matchup pits one of the league’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Since the 2017-18 season, Houston ranks second in offensive efficiency and Utah ranks second in defensive efficiency.
Since last season, the Jazz have had records of 49-36 straight up (SU) and 43-48-5 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has been fairly accurate when setting the O/U total of Utah games since last season with 49 overs compared to 47 unders.
Meanwhile, the Rockets, are 66-19 SU and 49-46-1 ATS since last season. Houston’s games have had a slight tendency to finish over the projected point total over that same period (51.0 percent).
The Rockets won eight out of nine contests against the Jazz last season. In the last contest, Houston won 112-102. The Rockets’ 9.0 turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Jazz, who had a mark of 11.7.
Utah Jazz vs. Houston Rockets Odds Pick
NBA Pick: SU Winner – Rockets, ATS Winner – Rockets, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Houston is 38-3 when they allow under 100 points, while Utah is 37-8.
The Jazz are 44-15 when they score over 100 points, while the Rockets are 72-17.
Utah ranks second in points allowed in the paint per game (41.8) while Houston ranks 29th (48.3).
The Rockets rank fifth in steals per game (8.4) while the Jazz rank 25th in steals allowed per game (8.4).
Houston ranks first in three pointers attempted per game (41.9) while Utah ranks 13th (29.8).
The Jazz rank third in fast break points allowed per game (10.1) while the Rockets rank 15th (12.1).
Utah ranks first in assists allowed per game (19.8) while Houston ranks 11th (22.4).
The Jazz rank second in second chance points allowed per game (10.9) while the Rockets rank ninth (11.7).
Houston ranks 11th in points off turnovers per game (16.9) while Utah ranks 17th in points off turnovers allowed per game (16.9).
The Jazz rank second in rebounds allowed per game (41.9) while the Rockets rank sixth (42.5).
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