Preview: Thunder vs. Jazz
In a highly anticipated Western Conference showdown, the Oklahoma City Thunder are set to face off against the Utah Jazz on Thursday, January 18th at 9:00 p.m. ET. The stakes are high as both teams come into this matchup with contrasting recent performances and aspirations to climb up their conference standings.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Seeking Redemption
The Thunder, currently positioned second in the Western Conference with a solid 27-13 record, are entering the game as 3.5-point favorites according to BetMGM. However, they are looking to rebound from a two-game skid that saw them fall 128-117 to the LA Clippers and suffer a defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Lakers prior to that. With the Minnesota Timberwolves sitting just two games ahead, the Thunder are eager to get back on track.
Despite the recent setbacks, Oklahoma City boasts an impressive track record against the spread, covering 66.7% of their games overall. This percentage dips slightly to 55.6% when playing on the road, indicating a slight vulnerability away from home where they have lost four of their last six outings. As road favorites, the Thunder have gone 4-6 against the spread. However, they find some solace in statistics after a day's rest, covering 69.6% of the time under such circumstances.
Oklahoma City's resilience will be tested as they play their third game in four days, but they come into the game with no expected injuries and a day off for preparation. Historically, they've had the upper hand against the Jazz, winning their last four meetings, including a 134-120 victory earlier this season.
Utah Jazz: Continuing the Streak
On the other side of the court, the Jazz are riding the momentum of a six-game winning streak and are seeking to secure their seventh consecutive triumph. Despite being ninth in the conference standings, Utah has proven formidable at the Delta Center, boasting nine straight home victories and hoping to extend that to ten.
Utah's recent success includes a dominant 132-105 win over the Indiana Pacers, a game that showcased Collin Sexton's scoring prowess as he racked up 30 points and five assists. The Jazz's performance at home has been particularly noteworthy; they hold the league's best home game ATS record (16-4-0) and as home underdogs, they have covered 76.9% of the time. After enjoying a two-day rest period, the Jazz are 4-2 against the spread, which bodes well for them heading into this matchup.
However, the team has faced challenges with player availability, having had five players sidelined in their last game. Their depth will be tested once again as they aim to maintain their home court dominance. The Jazz's last scheduled game against the Warriors was postponed due to the unfortunate passing of Dejan Milojević, which means they enter this contest with an extra rest advantage—a factor that could prove crucial.
Key Players to Watch
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the charge for the Thunder, averaging an impressive 31.0 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game. He is supported by Josh Giddey, who contributes 11.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren have also been key contributors, averaging 18.6 and 17.4 points per game, respectively.
For the Jazz, Lauri Markkanen is having a standout season with an average of 24 points per game. Jordan Clarkson continues to be a vital part of Utah's offense, contributing 17.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. With these influential players at the helm, both teams possess the firepower necessary to turn the tides in their favor.
Conclusion
As the Thunder look to break out of their losing streak and the Jazz aim to protect their home court and extend their winning run, this clash promises to be an exciting battle filled with strategic nuances and top-tier basketball talent. Fatigue may have been a factor in Oklahoma City's recent loss to the Clippers, but with a day of rest behind them, they are poised to give the Jazz a competitive game. Meanwhile, Utah's extra rest advantage and remarkable home ATS record suggest they could very well secure their tenth successive home victory.
Betting enthusiasts might note the odds "Utah Jazz +3.5 (-110 with BetMGM)" as