The Houston Rockets (35-20), 2-point underdogs, will travel to Vivint Smart Home Arena to square off with the Utah Jazz (36-19). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 235 points and action gets underway at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 22, 2020.
Houston Rockets at Utah Jazz ATS Odds
The Rockets dismantled the Golden State Warriors in their last game, 135-105, comfortably covering as 10-point favorites. The Jazz, on the other hand, were defeated by the San Antonio Spurs, 113-104, and were not able to cover as 5-point underdogs. Both games finished over their projected point totals. The Houston game went 7.5 points over the projected point total of 232.5, while the Utah game went 0.5 points over the projected point total of 216.5.
Houston dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.235 (above their season average of 0.229) and a turnover percentage of 13.7 (worse than their season average of 12.0). For those same stats, Golden State put up marks of 0.111 and 18.1, respectively. Utah, meanwhile, did an excellent job of getting and making free throws (22-26; 84.6 percent). Rudy Gobert led the way for Utah, putting up 18 points and 14 rebounds. Houston received a boost from James Harden, who had 29 points and 10 assists.
The Jazz evened the season series at one with a 114-113 win in their most recent matchup. Clarkson was a standout player in the game, putting up 30 points and six rebounds. Converting at the free throw line was one of Utah’s biggest advantages. They were 15-18 (83.3 percent), while the Rockets were 10-14 (71.4 percent). The two teams combined to put up 227 points, which was under the projected point total of 233, and Utah covered as a 3-point underdog.
Rockets games tend to go under the projected point total (56.4 percent). Houston heads into the game with records of 35-20 straight up (SU) and 28-27 against the spread (ATS).
In opposition of Houston, Jazz games have a slight tendency to finish over the O/U total (53.7 percent). Additionally, Utah is 36-19 SU and 27-25-2 ATS.
Utah figures to have the edge on the offensive side of the ball. The Jazz currently rank third in effective field goal percentage (0.551), while Houston ranks 17th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.529). Conflicting paces will be on display in this battle. The up-tempo Rockets rank fifth in possessions per game, while the more half-court oriented Jazz rank 26th.
Houston Rockets at Utah Jazz Free Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Jazz, ATS Winner – Jazz, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Rockets rank 13th in blocks per game (5.0) while the Jazz rank 29th (3.9).
- Utah ranks first in assists allowed per game (20.7) while Houston ranks 26th (25.7).
- The Jazz rank third in three pointers allowed per game (31.4) while the Rockets rank 25th (35.3).
- Utah ranks fourth in rebounds allowed per game (42.7) while Houston ranks 25th (46.7).
- Houston ranks eighth in fast break points per game (14.5) while Utah ranks 25th (10.8).
- The Rockets rank seventh in steals per game (8.3) while the Jazz rank last (5.8).
- The Jazz rank fourth in second chance points allowed per game (11.8) while the Rockets rank 24th (13.8).
- Utah ranks 15th in points in the paint per game (47.9) while Houston ranks 24th in points allowed in the paint per game (51.4).
- Houston ranks fifth in points off turnovers per game (18.4) while Utah ranks 28th (14.2).
- Utah is 12-2 when they allow below 100 points, while Houston is 3-0.
- When scoring above 100 points, the Jazz are 35-13 and the Rockets are 35-17.
- Utah is 13-11-1 ATS at home, while Houston is 14-14 ATS on the road.
- The Rockets have 17 unders and 11 overs in 28 road games.
- In 25 home games, the Jazz have 14 overs and 11 unders.
Bettings Trends:
- In their last five games, Houston and Utah are both 3-2 ATS.
- The Rockets have 4 unders and 1 over over their last five games, while the Jazz have 3 overs and 2 unders
- During their last five games, the Rockets have scored an average of 115.2 points per game (3.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 112.4 points per game (1.9 below their season average).
- The Jazz’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.8, down from 3.8 for the season.
