The Houston Rockets (1-3) visit the Utah Jazz (3-1) Wednesday. Tip from Vivint Arena is set for 9 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Rockets vs. Jazz odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
The Rockets come into this game off a 114-108 win over the Jazz at home Monday, covering as 2.5-point underdogs. While expectations are low, they only have one loss of more than 10 points.
Houston is led by 2nd-year G Jalen Green who is averaging 24 points per game and shooting 48.1% from deep. Add in the efforts of 2nd-overall pick F Jabari Smith Jr., and this organization is set up for long-term success.
Utah dealt C Rudy Gobert and G Donovan Mitchell in the offseason, acquiring F Lauri Markkanen among many others in return. He is averaging a team-high 21.5 points per game.
The Jazz have 5 players averaging double-digit scoring. Utah kicked off the season 3-0 with 2 overtime victories and is tied for the 2nd-best record in the Western Conference.
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Rockets at Jazz odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:39 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Rockets +215 (bet $100 to win $215) | Jazz -280 (bet $280 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Rockets +6.5 (-105) | Jazz -6.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 233.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
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Rockets at Jazz key injuries
Rockets
- None
Jazz
- C Alperen Sengun (illness) out
- G Jae’Sean Tate (ankle) questionable
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Rockets at Jazz picks and predictions
Prediction
Jazz 122, Rockets 112
Moneyline
PASS.
The Jazz (-280) should get revenge, but there is no value on their moneyline.
Against the spread
BET JAZZ -6.5 (-115).
Utah can beat you in many ways and has many microwave-type players — ones that can heat up in a hurry and score in bunches.
The Jazz rank 1st in offensive rebounding rate, so the extra opportunities should be a factor. The Rockets don’t rebound well defensively, sitting 18th in defensive rebounding rate.
Houston doesn’t force many turnovers either which is a key weakness for Utah. The Rockets, in the first matchup, doubled up Utah and shot 32 attempts from the line. That officiating may not aid them on the road.
Considering that pendulum should swing back to Utah, back the JAZZ -6.5 (-115) here.
Over/Under
LEAN OVER 233.5 (-108).
The Jazz shot just 9-of-16 from the line as they left some points at the charity stripe the last time these teams met.
Considering they force turnovers at the second-highest rate, the pace of play should be quick. These teams are 14th and 15th in pace with Houston having ranked 2nd in pace last season.
Expect a high-pace game and back the OVER 233.5 (-108).
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