The Denver Nuggets (2-1) face the Utah Jazz (2-0) Tuesday. Tip-off is from Vivint Arena is set for 10 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Nuggets vs. Jazz odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The Nuggets are playing for the second night in a row. Denver dropped a 99-87 home game to the Cleveland Cavaliers Monday as it turned the ball over 21 times and shot only 9-for-38 from three-point range. C Nikola Jokic paced the Nuggets with 24 points and 19 rebounds in the loss.
The Jazz last played Friday in a 110-101 win over the Sacramento Kings. G Donovan Mitchell led the team with 27 points and the defense held the Kings to 39.4% shooting from the field.
Nuggets at Jazz odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:07 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Nuggets +230 (bet $100 to win $230) | Jazz -300 (bet $300 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Nuggets +6.5 (-105) | Jazz -6.5 (-120)
- Over/Under (O/U): 219.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
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Nuggets at Jazz key injuries
Nuggets
- None affecting gambling odds
Jazz
- F Rudy Gay (heel) out
Nuggets at Jazz odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Jazz 108, Nuggets 102
Money line
PASS on the money line.
The Jazz are second in the league in defensive rating and the Nuggets have struggled more offensively than one would imagine, averaging just 99.7 points per game.
While Jokic is the reigning MVP, the Jazz have the defense to show him with C Rudy Gobert — the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. They were a league-best 35-7 at home last season and are 1-0 there so far this year, but the money line doesn’t have enough value to be worth a bet.
Against the spread
The Jazz have covered the spread in both games they have played this season. They had a league-best 65.8% home cover percentage last year.
The Nuggets have failed to cover the spread in their last two games, but have not allowed an opponent to score 100 or more points this season. That will keep Denver in a close game.
Take the NUGGETS +7.5 (-120).
Over/Under
Neither team has had a game hit the Over this season. As noted, the Nuggets have not had an opponent crack 100 points and they are averaging only 99.7 points per game themselves.
The Jazz’s highest total so far this season is 211 points.
Take UNDER 219.5 (-112).
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