Utah Jazz (7-23) vs Denver Nuggets (17-13)
Game Info: Monday, December 30, 2024 at 9:00 pm (Delta Center)
Betting Odds: Utah Jazz +8.5 --- Over/Under: 238.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets have been in fine form as they've won six of their last nine games overall and they will be eager to keep it going after blowing past the Pistons in a 134-121 home win on Saturday. Nikola Jokic led the team with 37 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, Jamal Murray added 34 points on 12 of 21 shooting while Michael Porter Jr chipped in with 26 points on nine of 14 shooting. As a team, the Nuggets shot 56 percent from the field and 13 of 27 from the 3-point line as they poured in 67 points in the first half to take a narrow lead into halftime, before they erupted for a season-high 47 points in the third quarter to take a 25-point lead. The Nuggets will face the Hawks, Spurs (b2b set), Celtics, and Clippers following this one.
Utah Jazz
Meanwhile, the Utah Jazz have been doing it tough lately as they've lost 11 of their last 14 games overall and they will be hoping to avoid a fourth straight defeat after falling just short to the 76ers in a 114-111 loss on Saturday. Lauri Markkanen led the team with 23 points, Collin Sexton and Brice Sensabaugh added 20 points each while Jordan Clarkson chipped in with 17 points and four assists. As a team, the Jazz shot 48 percent from the field and 12 of 36 from the 3-point line as they worked hard to erase an 11-point deficit to tie the game late in the fourth quarter, only to miss three crucial shots in the final 1:11 to allow the 76ers off the hook in the end.
Why the Denver Nuggets will win
- The Jazz have lost each of their last 13 games at Delta Center against Western Conference opponents that held a winning record.
- The Nuggets have won each of their last 11 Monday night games against teams that held a losing record.
- The Jazz have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight games at Delta Center against Western Conference opponents that held a winning record.
- The favorites have covered the spread in each of the last four games between the Nuggets and Jazz.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Jazz's last six games as home underdogs following a home loss have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Six of the Nuggets' last seven games as road favorites against the Jazz have gone UNDER the total points line.
Denver Nuggets vs Utah Jazz Prediction
The Nuggets are still playing without Aaron Gordon, while the Jazz are still missing John Collins with Keyonte George listed as questionable. The Nuggets haven't been firing on all cylinders, but they're getting healthier and they are coming into this one fresh off a solid win over the Pistons on Saturday. In contrast, the Jazz have continued their horror season with another loss, but they will take some confidence from the fact that they were able to push an in-form 76ers team right till the end. The line is a little hefty for this one, but the Nuggets are starting to heat up again with Jamal Murray showing signs of returning to form.
Peter’s Pick Denver -8.5
AUTHOR: Peter Tran
