The Portland Trail Blazers (32-26) will try to put an end to the 11-game winning streak of Utah when they travel to Vivint Smart Home Arena to square off with the Jazz (30-28). Action starts at 9 p.m. ET on Friday, February 23, 2018.
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Utah Jazz Betting Preview
The Trail Blazers beat the Golden State Warriors in their last contest, 123-117. Damian Lillard led Portland in scoring with 44 points on 14-for-25 shooting. Portland played a nearly flawless game. They had a great offensive rebounding percentage of 28.3 (above their season average of 22.7) and a turnover percentage of 11.2 (better than their season average of 12.3). For those same stats, Golden State recorded marks of 18.2 and 14.0, respectively.
The last time the Jazz played, they topped the Phoenix Suns, 107-97. Utah was led by Rudy Gobert, who contributed 14 points and 17 rebounds. The Jazz had a superb offensive rebounding percentage of 28.0 (above their season average of 20.5) and had a turnover percentage of 7.3 (better than their season average of 13.1).
The offense of Portland will square off against the top-notch defense of Utah. The Trail Blazers rank 15th in offensive efficiency, while the Jazz are fifth in defensive efficiency. The Jazz figure to have the edge on that side of the ball.
Of Portland’s 58 games, 32 have finished under the O/U total, while 29 of Utah’s 58 games have finished under the projected point total. Both teams have respectable straight up (SU) records (32-26 for Portland; 30-28 for Utah), but the Jazz have the edge against the spread (ATS). Utah is 31-27 ATS, while the Trail Blazers are 28-24-6.
Gobert has been playing at a high level over the last five games for Utah, averaging 13.8 points, 11.2 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game.
These two teams have already met twice this season, with the Jazz winning both. Lillard led both teams with 39 points in the most recent game, in which the Trail Blazers lost 115-96, unable to cover as 4-point favorites. The two teams combined for 211 points, which was 6 points above the projected point total of 205 points. The Jazz dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had an extraordinary offensive rebounding percentage of 34.0 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.540. For those same stats, the Trail Blazers were 12.5 and 0.463, respectively.
Portland Trail Blazers at Utah Jazz Free Prediction
NBA Pick: SU Winner – Trail Blazers, ATS Winner – Trail Blazers, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Jazz rank fifth in second chance points allowed per game (11.0) while the Trail Blazers rank 13th (12.2).
- Utah ranks third in fast break points allowed per game (9.7) while Portland ranks eighth (10.4).
- Utah averages 4.8 blocks per game, which ranks 13th in the league. Portland ranks 19th in blocks allowed per game (5.0).
- Portland is 16-11-3 ATS on the road, while Utah is 16-11 ATS at home.
- In 30 road games, the Trail Blazers have 17 unders and 13 overs.
- In 27 home games, the Jazz have 16 unders and 11 overs.
- When holding opponents under 100 points, Portland is 17-5 and Utah is 19-4.
- The Jazz are 25-11 when they reach the century mark, while the Trail Blazers are 27-13.
- The Jazz rank 24th in assists per game (21.4) while the Trail Blazers rank last (19.1).
- Utah ranks second in steals per game (8.9) while Portland ranks 25th (6.9).
- The Trail Blazers rank fifth in rebounds per game (44.9) while the Jazz rank 21st (42.1).
- The Trail Blazers are fourth in the NBA with 41.7 points allowed in the paint per game while the Jazz are fifth with 42.3 points allowed in the paint per game.
- Utah ranks 12th in points off turnovers per game (16.9) while Portland ranks 25th (14.5).
Bettings Trends:
- Utah is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs in their last five games.
- Over their last five games, Portland is 3-2 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
- The Jazz’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 9.4, up from 1.8 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Trail Blazers have scored an average of 107.4 points per game (2.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 109.2 points per game (5.3 above their season average).
