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The Utah Jazz head to Northern California to take on the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night in a possible first-round playoff preview. It's time to continue our NBA odds series with a Jazz-Warriors prediction and pick.
The Jazz defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 122-109 on Thursday night. The win snapped a five-game losing streak. Donovan Mitchell scored 29 points while shooting 11 for 22 from the field. Additionally, he converted on four shots from beyond the arc. In addition to that, Rudy Gobert dominated with 25 points and 17 rebounds. The Jazz led early, and often against the short-handed Lakers, who were without LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Also, Utah held the Lakers to just 28 percent shooting from beyond the arc. Conversely, Utah shot well from the field hitting 51.1 percent of its shots from the floor. The Jazz is fifth in the Western Conference standings.
The Warriors lost 107-103 on Wednesday night at home to the Phoenix Suns. The game went down to the wire, with Golden State holding a 101-100 lead with 40 seconds left. However, the Warriors fouled Devin Booker, sending him to the line where he would convert both free throws to give the Suns the lead. Although the Warriors had a chance to retake the lead, a costly traveling violation by Draymond Green gave the Suns the ball back. Chris Paul hit a layup to give the Suns a 3-point lead. The Warriors countered with two free throws from Green. Ultimately, the Suns pulled away when Jordan Poole missed a 3-point attempt to tie. Golden State is third in the Western Conference but has gone 1-7 in its last eight games.
Courtesy of FanDuel, here are the Jazz-Warriors odds:
NBA Odds: Jazz-Warriors Odds
Jazz: -1.5 (-110)
Warriors: +1.5 (-110)
Over: 218 (-110)
Under: 218 (-110)
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Why The Jazz Could Cover The Spread
Utah will take advantage of the absence of Stephen Curry. Curry sprained a ligament in his left foot in a March 16 game against the Boston Celtics. He will miss the rest of the regular season. In the seven games he has missed, the Warriors have gone 1-6. Hence, this is a prime opportunity for Utah. The Warriors have won two of the three games the teams played this season. However, not facing Curry will provide a different element to the game.
Consequently, it starts with Gobert. He is a rebounding machine, averaging 14.6 this season. The key to beating Golden State begins with winning the battle on the boards. Likewise, if Gobert repeats his effort from the last game, then the Warriors will find themselves in trouble. Forcing Golden State into making mistakes plays a factor. The Warriors rank near the bottom in turnovers, and the Jazz can capitalize on the weakness and force Golden State into turning the ball over. The last key will be Mitchell. He has been a solid leading scorer, averaging 26.1 points per game.
The Jazz will cover the spread if they win the rebounding battles, force the Warriors into making mistakes, and get Mitchell going. Luckily, Gobert is the top rebounder in the NBA in rebounds per game. The Jazz can play patient basketball and cause the Warriors to turn the ball over. Lastly, Mitchell has been consistent and can take over a game if he needs to. In this case, he will not have to deal with Curry on the other side.
Why The Warriors Could Cover The Spread
Golden State will need Poole and Green to lead them. The Warriors also need Klay Thompson to step up. Thompson struggled against the Suns, shooting 5 for 21 from the field. Additionally, he only hit one 3-pointer on 10 attempts. The Warriors need Thompson to excel. However, winning the battle on the boards will play a factor. It will not be easy, especially with Gobert on the other side.
The Warriors need to convert their 3-point opportunities, and this is where Thompson comes in. If Thompson can hit his shots from beyond the arc, it gives Golden State an extra element to use. Consequently, converting their shots from beyond the arc will open the offense up for others. Likewise, Poole and Green will benefit if Thompson emerges.
The Warriors will cover the spread if Poole, Green, and Thompson have spectacular games. Likewise, if the Warriors can win the rebounding battle and stop Gobert, they will pull off the victory.
Final Jazz-Warriors Prediction & Pick
Curry would have made a significant difference. Instead, the Warriors must find a way without him. It seemed unfathomable a week ago, but the Warriors are in danger of dropping down the standings. If the Jazz win, the Warriors will hold a one-game lead in the standings with four left to play. Thus, there is a chance the Warriors start the playoffs on the road. Utah recognizes the opportunity and will seize it. The Jazz covers the spread and wins the game.
Final Jazz-Warriors Prediction & Pick: Jazz -1.5 (-110)
