The Utah Jazz (41-31) head to San Antonio to take on the Spurs (42-30) in a game that has the potential to be low-scoring. The game gets underway at 8:30 p.m. ET on Friday, March 23, 2018.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 193.5 points with San Antonio opening as a 3-point favorite.
Utah Jazz at San Antonio Spurs Betting Prediction
The Jazz come in on a high note after topping the Dallas Mavericks in their last game, 119-112. The Jazz knocked down 15 of their 16 free throws (93.8 percent) and had a turnover percentage of 10.5 (better than their season average of 13.3). Joe Ingles had a good game for Utah, recording 18 points, 10 assists and six rebounds.
In the Spurs’ last game, they defeated the Washington Wizards, 98-90. The Spurs had a great offensive rebounding percentage of 31.6 (above their season average of 23.4) and held the Wizards to an effective field goal percentage of 0.470 (below their season average of 0.526). LaMarcus Aldridge was the top scorer from either team with 27 points on 12-for-23 shooting.
Baskets could be hard to come by as two of the league’s premier defenses square off. San Antonio currently ranks second in defensive efficiency (102.2) and Utah is third (102.3).
Utah comes into the game with records of 41-31 straight up (SU) and 38-33 against the spread (ATS). Of the Jazz’s 71 games that accepted bets, 39 have finished under the total.
Meanwhile, San Antonio owns records of 42-30 SU and 37-31-4 ATS. Of the Spurs’ 72 games, 40 have finished under the total.
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Rudy Gobert (19.8 points, 14.0 rebounds and 2.4 blocks) has been stellar for the Jazz while Aldridge (26.4 points and 8.6 rebounds) has contributed greatly to the Spurs.
The Jazz have emerged victorious in all three contests against the Spurs this year, including a close 101-99 victory the last time these teams met. Utah was unable to cover as a 4-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 200 points, which was just 3 points above the projected point total of 197 points. The Jazz had a better turnover percentage (8.5 vs. 10.3) and had a better free throw rate (0.238 vs. 0.200). In the loss, Pau Gasol recorded a double-double with 15 points and 15 rebounds.
Utah Jazz vs. San Antonio Spurs Free Pick
NBA Tip: SU Winner – Spurs, ATS Winner – Jazz, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Utah is 18-17 ATS on the road with 18 overs, 16 unders and 1 push.
At home, San Antonio is 22-13-1 ATS with 18 overs and 18 unders.
When allowing below 100 points, San Antonio is 29-10 and Utah is 28-6.
In games where they reach the century mark, the Spurs are 32-10 and the Jazz are 32-11.
Utah ranks third in steals per game (8.8) while San Antonio ranks 19th (7.5).
The Jazz rank 12th in three pointers attempted per game (29.5) while the Spurs rank 27th (24.3).
San Antonio ranks 11th in second chance points per game (13.0) while Utah ranks 26th (10.7).
The Jazz rank third in fast break points allowed per game (9.8) while the Spurs rank 16th (11.9).
San Antonio ranks second in blocks allowed per game (3.9) while Utah ranks 12th (4.7).
The Jazz rank first in points allowed in the paint per game (41.6) while the Spurs rank 11th (43.3).
Utah ranks fourth in rebounds allowed per game (41.8) while San Antonio ranks 10th (42.4).
The Jazz rank first in assists allowed per game (19.9) while the Spurs rank sixth (21.6).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Utah is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
San Antonio is 5-0 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Jazz’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 13.4, up from 3.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Spurs have scored an average of 102.0 points per game (0.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 86.2 points per game (12.6 below their season average).
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