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The Utah Jazz will take on the Boston Celtics for the second time this season tonight. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Jazz-Celtics prediction and pick.
The Jazz hold an overall record of 28-10, and they are 25-12-1 against the spread. Utah is coming off a loss to the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco.
The Celtics stand at 20-18 overall and 18-20 against the spread. Boston is coming off a blowout win over the Houston Rockets.
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the opening Jazz-Celtics odds.
NBA Odds: Jazz-Celtics Odds
Boston Celtics +4 (-115)
Utah Jazz -4 (-105)
Over 228.5 Points (-107)
Under 228.5 Points (-113)
Why The Celtics Could Cover The Spread
If there's ever a good time to match up with the Jazz this season, it's right now.
Utah is in the middle of the worst stretch of their season, losing three of four and failing to cover in all four. All four of the matchups have exposed some holes in Utah's usual rock-solid play.
The Pelicans, Sixers, and Warriors had a field day against the Jazz defense, combining to average just over 130 points in their three games. Utah held firm against the Rockets, but they were essentially playing a G-League roster with half of Houston's players sitting.
Against a Celtics offense that is beginning to click, Utah could be in trouble again tonight.
When the Celtics are fully healthy, their biggest asset is their depth. Boston only has four players that average double-digit scoring, but between Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kemba Walker, three of these players are capable of scoring 30 points on any given night.
In losses against the Pels and the Sixers, the Jazz were crushed inside the arc. The Pelicans only attempted 11 three-pointers, and the Sixers shot 32% from deep. Both pulled out wins.
All three of the Celtics top scorers are multi-level scorers who are more than capable of racking up points in the mid-range game and painted area.
The Utah defense is reeling, and if Tatum or Brown come out hot tonight, it could be yet another long night for the Jazz defenders.
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Why The Jazz Could Cover The Spread
While Utah has struggled defensively, they've been getting lit up by excellent offensive teams.
The Sixers and Pelicans both rank among the top five teams in the league in terms of points scored per game, and the Warriors are just outside the top 10.
Boston, on the other hand, only averages 112.2 points per contest, 18th in the NBA. Two teams that got the win against the Jazz had dominant interior scorers (Joel Embiid and Zion Williamson). The Celtics do not have a player that fits that mold.
Without a bulky forward or center to cause destruction on the interior, the Jazz defense could get back on track tonight.
The Jazz rely heavily on the three-pointer. Utah shoots the most treys per game with a whopping 42.8 attempts and connects on 39.6% of them, the third-highest rate in the NBA.
The Celtics perimeter defense has been good, but not great. They allowed the Nets to shoot 45% from deep in their most recent loss.
The odds that all of Utah's shooters are cold is extremely low. On a roster where four guys shoot the ball 40% or higher from three, it's a good bet the Jazz will win the three-point battle.
As long as the Jazz play a little bit of defense and prevent a Boston star from catching fire, they should get back in the winning column.
Final Jazz-Celtics Prediction & Pick
While Utah has been struggling, I don't see them losing their fourth game in five matchups. This Jazz team is too talented, too well-coached, and too determined to put up another clunker on the defensive end. I expect Donovan Mitchell and company to come out with a spirited effort tonight and drown out the C's with a three-point barrage. Utah to cover the spread in a comfortable victory.
FINAL PICK: UTAH JAZZ -4
