The Utah Jazz proved they are the real deal with their 4-2 series victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder but they need to take a big leap forward if they want to top the Houston Rockets in the second round. The Jazz went 0-4 straight-up and against the spread against the Rockets this season while being outscored by an average of 17.5 points per game. Can the Jazz turn it around in Game 1 of the series Sunday or will the Rockets continue to lord over Utah?
- James Harden averaged 34.3 points, 6.8 rebounds and 6.3 assists in 4 games vs the Jazz this season.
- The total has gone OVER in 6 of the last 7 meetings between the Rockets and Jazz.
- The Rockets are 23-1 SU in their last 24 games at home.
Offensively, the Jazz struggled against the Rockets this season – averaging just 98.8 points per game while shooting 44.3% from the floor and 30% from 3PT range vs Houston. However, the Jazz offense looked like it was playing at another level during their first-round series thanks to the backcourt duo of Donovan Mitchell and Ricky Rubio. Mitchell and Rubio combined to average 42.5 points, 14.5 assists and 13 rebounds during the postseason so far. However, Rubio suffered an injury during the series finale vs the Thunder and will be out for 10-14 days.
The Rockets had little issue in their series against the Minnesota Timberwolves thanks to their explosive offense. The Rockets averaged 110.4 points while shooting over 88 field goals per game so far this postseason. James Harden torched the Jazz during the regular season, notching 34.3 points, 6.8 assists and 6.3 assists while hitting over 55% of his shots.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Odds makers at Sportsbook opened the Houston Rockets as -8.5-point favorites in this betting matchup earlier today, while the OVER/UNDER betting line was sitting around 205 earlier at Sportsbook.
Odds Shark computer prediction formulas pick a 110-98 win for the Rockets on Sunday. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NBA matchups here.
Utah Jazz vs Houston Rockets Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Houston Rockets sit at 69-18 (44-41-2 ATS) on the season; in comparison, the Utah Jazz are currently 52-36 (46-41-1 ATS). Looking to bet on the points scored total? Houston is 36-50-1 OU and Utah is 42-45-1 OU. This season the Houston Rockets are 69-18 overall and 44-41-2 ATS against the number, while the Utah Jazz are 52-36 and 46-41-1 ATS. As for the totals, Houston is 36-50-1 on the OU, and Utah is 42-45-1. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Houston vs Utah injuries news.
This game matches up the No. 3 (Houston Rockets) and the No. 2 (Jazz) teams in the league, according to our current NBA betting Power Rankings at Odds Shark.
Statistical Matchup
In rebounding, the battle of the boards features Houston's No. 19-rated NBA squad against Utah's No. 18-rated roster. When it comes to long-range shooting, Houston rates No. 1 in the league with 15.3 per game, while their foes tonight rank No. 13 with 10.85 per outing.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
- Utah is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
- Utah is 16-4 SU in its last 20 games on the road
- The total has gone OVER in 7 of Utah's last 10 games on the road
- Utah is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Houston
- Houston is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games
- Houston is 18-4 SU in its last 22 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Houston's last 24 games
- Houston is 23-1 SU in its last 24 games at home
Next Betting Matchups
Utah at Houston, Wednesday, May 2nd
