Utah Jazz vs Atlanta Hawks betting tips and predictions for Friday’s NBA game in Salt Lake City. With the Jazz leading the regular season series 1-0, Atlanta will be looking to even things out as the two teams clash for the 2nd and final time this year. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Utah Jazz
I don’t think a lot of people would have predicted that the Utah Jazz will have more all-stars than the Atlanta Hawks this season, but that’s how things have played out. Lauri Markkanen has been one of the biggest revelations this season, he makes the team as a reserve after averaging 24.9 points and 8.7 rebounds per game and leading the Utah Jazz to a 27-26 record.
They are in a good groove entering tonight’s game with 3 wins in their last 4 games, the win over Toronto was particularly impressive as they put up 131 points. The Jazz also hold the edge in head-to-head meetings with Atlanta winning 7 of the last 10. February has traditionally been a good month for the Jazz, entering tonight they are 10-1 SU in their last 11 played in this month.
Atlanta Hawks
Trae Young not making the All-Star team has been surprising, but I’m sure he will use that as added motivation to have a good rest of the year. After struggling a bit in the early part due to a shoulder injury, Young has picked it up averaging 25.3 points on 46% shooting over his last 9 games. The Hawks just had an impressive 32-point win at Phoenix, a place they haven’t won much over the years.
Salt Lake City is another place they’ve struggled over the years, failing to win in their last 6 visits and not covering the spread in the last 5 games. The good news is there are no injuries to report, so a full squad will be on display for head coach Nate McMillan here.
This game could go either way really, both teams have been up and down lately. I’m going to give the edge to the Hawks though, as all losing streaks have to come to an end at some point. I was impressed by their display vs the Suns, if Young gets it going early here then the Jazz could be in trouble. Atlanta also has the revenge factor working for them as they lost the first meeting at home by 6 points. Take the road team and the extra points.
Utah Jazz vs Atlanta Hawks Predictions & Odds
3 of the last 4 Hawks opponents have put up at least 120 points, 2 of the last 3 Jazz opponents have done so as well. That just shows you what type of game we can expect here. These two teams combined for 244 points in the game played in Atlanta midway through November, and this being a Hawks road game I think backing the over is a smarter option here. Atlanta is 17-10-1 on the O/U away from home with 7 of their last 9 games cashing on that bet.
Both Dejounte Murray and Trae Young are capable of going off for 40-points on any given night, I doubt the Jazz are equipped defensively to handle what’s coming at them tonight. They will have enough firepower to respond though, Utah ranks 4th in offensive efficiency this season averaging 114.3 points per 100 possessions. In a battle between the 10th and 12th fastest teams in the league, I’m expecting the points to come early and often. Back the over.
