The Utah Jazz (15-17) and the Portland Trail Blazers (18-13) face off at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. The Jazz are 2-point underdogs and can snap a five-game road losing streak. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 210.5 points and it gets underway at 10 p.m. ET on Friday, December 21, 2018.
Utah Jazz at Portland Trail Blazers Betting Odds
Both teams covered in their last matchup. The Trail Blazers (5-point favorites) defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 99-92, while the Jazz (2-point underdog) beat the Golden State Warriors 108-103. The Portland game went 10 points under the projected point total of 201, while the Utah game finished 11.5 points under the projected point total of 222.5.
Utah dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 20.8 (below their season average of 21.8) and a free throw rate of 0.194 (matching their season average). For those same stats, Golden State recorded marks of 19.2 and 0.179, respectively. The Trail Blazers, meanwhile, had a phenomenal offensive rebounding percentage of 35.1 (above their season average of 25.8) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.540 (above their season average of 0.520). Portland was lifted by Damian Lillard, who had 24 points and five rebounds. Rudy Gobert, meanwhile had a good outing for Utah, recording 17 points and 15 rebounds.
This was a highly competitive series last year, as the teams split their four games last season. In the last game, the Trail Blazers won 102-93. Portland had a better turnover percentage (9.4 vs. 12.3). Utah, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (26.4 vs. 15.2). This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.
Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when setting the total of Jazz games, with 17 overs compared to 15 unders. Utah holds records of 15-17 straight up (SU) and 15-16-1 against the spread (ATS).
Similarly to Utah, games involving the Trail Blazers have gone over the total 51.6 percent of the time. Moreover, Portland owns records of 18-13 SU and 16-15 ATS.
The battle on the backboards could prove decisive, pitting strength against strength. The Trail Blazers currently rank fourth in offensive rebounding percentage (26.0 percent), while Utah ranks third in defensive rebounding percentage (79.6 percent).
Utah Jazz at Portland Trail Blazers Free Pick
Free NBA Pick: SU Winner – Trail Blazers, ATS Winner – Trail Blazers, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Jazz rank 2 in three pointers allowed per game (27.375) while the Trail Blazers rank 10 (29.806451612903224).
- Utah ranks fourth in steals per game (9.0) while Portland ranks 28th (6.6).
- The Jazz rank second in second chance points allowed per game (11.3) while the Trail Blazers rank 20th (13.9).
- Utah ranks 13th in assists per game (24.4) while Portland ranks 27th (21.0).
- Utah ranks 15 in blocks per game (5.15625) while Portland ranks 24 in blocks allowed per game (5.774193548387097).
- The Trail Blazers rank third in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.8) while the Jazz rank 27th (18.6).
- The Jazz rank 4 in fast break points allowed per game (10.90625) while the Trail Blazers rank 16 (13.967741935483872).
- Portland ranks third in rebounds per game (48.1) while Utah ranks 23rd (43.7).
- In games where they allow less than 100 points, Utah is 6-3 and Portland is 6-1.
- The Jazz are 13-8 when they reach the century mark, while the Trail Blazers are 17-10.
- Portland is 11-5 ATS at home, while Utah is 8-11-1 ATS on the road.
- The total has gone under in 9 of the Trail Blazers’ 16 home games, while 11 of the Jazz’s 20 road games have gone under.
Bettings Trends:
- The Trail Blazers are 3-2 ATS over their last five games, while the Jazz are 2-2-1.
- In their last five games, Portland has 3 unders and 2 overs, while Utah has 4 unders and 1 over.
- During their last five games, the Trail Blazers have scored an average of 109.0 points per game (2.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 108.8 points per game (1.4 below their season average).
- The Jazz’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.2, up from 0.1 for the season.
