Utah Jazz at Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Odds

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Expect a defensive struggle when the Utah Jazz (14-17) and Oklahoma City Thunder (15-15) go head-to-head at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Action gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 20, 2017, and it can be seen on Fox SportsNet Oklahoma.

Utah Jazz at Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Preview

The Jazz got blown out by the Houston Rockets in their last contest, 120-99. Rodney Hood had a good performance for Utah, leading the team in scoring with 26 points on 10-for-18 shooting. Houston did a great job of making free throws (23-27; 85.2 percent). Utah, on the other hand, had a turnover percentage of 6.0 (better than their season average of 13.8).

The last time the Thunder played, they defeated the Denver Nuggets, 95-94. With 38 points on 16-for-28 shooting, Russell Westbrook was the top scorer from either team. Oklahoma City dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.123 (matching their season average) and a turnover percentage of 10.2 (better than their season average of 13.0). Denver was 0.093 and 10.8, respectively, for those same stats.

The offense of Oklahoma City (25th in the league with an offensive efficiency of 102.8) will battle against the elite defense of Utah (eighth in the league with a defensive efficiency of 103.7). The Jazz should have the edge on that end of the court.

Of Utah’s 31 games, 16 have finished over the O/U total, while 18 of Oklahoma City’s 30 games have finished under the O/U total. The Thunder hold the substantial advantage straight up (SU) (15-15 vs. 14-17), but the Jazz have the better against the spread (ATS) record (17-14 vs. 9-20-1).

These two teams have already met twice this year, each winning once. Westbrook had 34 points, 14 assists and 12 rebounds in the most recent contest, in which the Thunder defeated the Jazz 100-94 but were not able to cover as 8.5-point favorites. The two teams combined for 194 points, which was just 4.5 points below the projected point total of 198.5 points. The Thunder played a nearly perfect game. They had a great offensive rebounding percentage of 31.6 and a free throw rate of 0.222. The Jazz were 20.9 and 0.190, respectively, for those same stats.

Utah Jazz at Oklahoma City Thunder Free Prediction

Predictions: SU Winner – Thunder, ATS Winner – Thunder, O/U – Over

Betting Notes:

  • The Thunder rank 12th in rebounds per game (44.1) while the Jazz rank 26th (40.4).
  • Utah ranks eighth in blocks per game (5.2) while Oklahoma City ranks 14th in blocks allowed per game (4.8).
  • Oklahoma City averages 19.4 points off turnovers per game, which ranks second in the NBA. Utah ranks 15th in points off turnovers allowed per game (16.5).
  • Oklahoma City averages 14.1 second chance points per game, which ranks sixth in the league. Utah ranks seventh in second chance points allowed per game (11.1).
  • Utah is 6-9 ATS on the road, while Oklahoma City is 5-8-1 ATS at home.
  • The Jazz have 9 overs, 5 unders and 1 push in 15 road games.
  • In 14 home games, the Thunder have 9 unders and 5 overs.
  • Oklahoma City is 11-4 when they allow below 100 points, while Utah is 9-2.
  • When reaching 100 points, the Thunder are 12-6 and the Jazz are 12-8.
  • The Jazz rank second in assists allowed per game (19.4) while the Thunder rank ninth (21.6).
  • Utah ranks second in steals per game (9.5) while Oklahoma City ranks 21st in steals allowed per game (8.2).
  • The Thunder rank sixth in fast break points per game (13.9) while the Jazz rank 25th (8.7).
  • The Thunder rank second in points allowed in the paint per game (40.1) while the Jazz rank seventh (41.4).
  • Utah ranks fifth in three pointers allowed per game (26.5) while Oklahoma City ranks 21st (30.1).

Bettings Trends:

  • Oklahoma City is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders in their last five games.
  • Over their last five games, Utah is 2-3 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
  • The Thunder have been outscored by an average of 4.0 points in their last five games. On the season, Oklahoma City has defeated opponents by an average of 1.7 points.
  • During their last five games, the Jazz have scored an average of 101.2 points per game (1.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 108.8 points per game (8.0 above their season average).