The Philadelphia 76ers (22-13) will travel to Vivint Smart Home Arena to clash with the Utah Jazz (17-18). The 76ers opened as 5-point underdogs. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 217.5 points and it will air on TNT at 10:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 27, 2018.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Utah Jazz Betting Odds
The Jazz will look to maintain momentum after easily covering the 7-point spread against the Portland Trail Blazers in their last matchup, 117-96. The 76ers, on the other hand, were topped by the Boston Celtics, 121-114, and failed to cover as 5-point underdogs. The Utah game went 1.5 points under the projected point total of 214.5, while the Philadelphia game went 11 points over the projected point total of 224.
The Jazz, who came into the game averaging an effective field goal percentage of 0.525, had a fantastic mark of 0.633 and had a better offensive rebounding percentage (22.5 vs. 21.6). Philadelphia, on the other hand, did a great job of getting and making free throws (23-29; 79.3 percent). Utah rallied around Rudy Gobert, who finished with 18 points, 14 rebounds and seven blocks. Meanwhile, Joel Embiid was a key piece for Philadelphia with 34 points and 16 rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, Jimmy Butler led the 76ers to a 113-107 victory. He put up 28 points and 7 assists. The two teams combined for 220 points, which was just over the projected point total of 216.5, and Philadelphia covered as a 3-point favorite. Philadelphia made 11 of their 23 three pointers (47.8 percent), while Utah was just 4-22 (18.2 percent).
Of the 76ers’ 35 games, 21 have finished over the projected point total. Philadelphia holds records of 22-13 straight up (SU) and 16-19 against the spread (ATS).
Unlike Philadelphia, just over half of Jazz games have finished under the O/U total. Further, Utah owns records of 17-18 SU and 17-17-1 ATS.
Ben Simmons has really been playing well recently for Philadelphia, averaging 19 points,10.0 rebounds,8.4 assists over the last five games.
Second-chance points might be scarce for Utah in this showdown. The Jazz are among the NBA’s elite on the offensive glass, ranking 24th in offensive rebounding percentage at 21.6 percent. Meanwhile, Philadelphia ranks fourth in the league at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 79.1 percent.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Utah Jazz Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Jazz, ATS Winner – 76ers, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Jazz average 48.628571428571426 points in the paint per game, which ranks 12 in the league. The 76ers rank 19 in points allowed in the paint per game (49.142857142857146).
- Philadelphia ranks fourth in rebounds per game (47.7) while Utah ranks 23rd (43.8).
- The 76ers rank ninth in fast break points per game (15.1) while the Jazz rank 27th (10.0).
- Utah ranks second in three pointers allowed per game (27.3) while Philadelphia ranks 11th (30.1).
- Philadelphia ranks 5 in blocks allowed per game (4.485714285714286) while Utah ranks 12 (4.828571428571428).
- The Jazz rank fourth in steals per game (8.9) while the 76ers rank 22nd (6.9).
- The 76ers rank 3 in assists per game (26.82857142857143) while the Jazz rank 11 (24.885714285714286).
- Utah ranks 3 in second chance points allowed per game (11.6) while Philadelphia ranks 7 (12.085714285714285).
- Utah averages 17.8 points off turnovers per game, which ranks ninth in the NBA. Philadelphia ranks 27th in points off turnovers allowed per game (18.5).
- Utah is 8-3 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Philadelphia is 6-0.
- In games where they reach 100 points, the Jazz are 15-9 and the 76ers are 22-10.
- Philadelphia is 5-11 ATS on the road, while Utah is 8-6 ATS at home.
- The total has gone over in 10 of the 76ers’ 16 road games, while 8 of the Jazz’s 14 home games have gone over.
Bettings Trends:
- The Jazz are 3-1-1 ATS over their last five games, while the 76ers are 3-2.
- In their last five games, Utah has 5 unders, while Philadelphia has 4 overs and 1 under.
- During their last five games, the Jazz have scored an average of 109.6 points per game (2.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 99.6 points per game (6.0 below their season average).
- The 76ers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.2, up from 2.5 for the season.
