The Minnesota Timberwolves (12-12) and Utah Jazz (15-12) will square off on Friday night.
The Timberwolves have won just two out of their past three games. Minnesota’s NBA schedule has been challenging as of late, but they are still playing a mediocre brand of basketball.
The Jazz have had a strange year. They entered the year with low expectations from the outside but started out red-hot.
Despite faltering after their strong start, the Jazz have now won three of their last five games overall.
Tip-off is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. EST on December 9 at Vivint Arena in Utah. Let’s take a look at the Timberwolves vs Jazz odds.
Timberwolves vs. Jazz Odds Breakdown
Timberwolves games have been exciting to watch, with Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns leading the charge. But KAT is currently injured, and Minnesota hasn’t played up to expectations.
The Utah Jazz standings placement leaves reason for optimism. And their NBA team stats have stood out throughout the year.
The NBA odds have the Jazz favored to win these NBA matchups by a narrow margin. But the Timberwolves will put up a fight.
Let’s take a closer look at the Timberwolves vs Jazz odds.
Matchup Information
- Date: Friday, December 9, 2022
- Time: 9:00 p.m.
- Venue: Vivint Arena
- Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
- How to Watch: NBA League Pass
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Utah Jazz Betting Preview
The Jazz and Timberwolves matchup well on paper. They both have a number of stars leading the way with their NBA player stats.
Anthony Edwards leads Minnesota with 23 points per game. Rudy Gobert has continued to put forth his personal style of play, as he is averaging 13.3 points and 11.9 rebounds per contest.
Markkanen Performance Recap
Lauri Markkanen is averaging over 22 points and 8.5 rebounds per game for the Jazz. Mike Conley has played well, with 10 points and eight rebounds per game.
From a team standpoint, both Minnesota and Utah ran within the top 10 in points per game and assists per game. They are also both within the top 10 in field goal percentage.
However, the Jazz are seventh in three-point percentage. But the Timberwolves are 26th in three-point percentage.
Both teams turn the ball over far too often, as they are both near the bottom of the league in turnovers per contest.
Jazz Against Timberwolves
The Jazz defeated the Timberwolves 132-126 in their first meeting. Edwards led Minnesota with 30 points, while Jordan Clarkson led the charge with 29 points for Utah.
Turnovers were an issue for both sides as well, as Minnesota tallied 20 turnovers, and Utah had 13 turnovers.
In all reality, Friday’s game will likely end with a similar result. We can expect a number of star-studded performances, high-scoring, and sloppy play.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Utah Jazz Betting Preview
After reviewing the Timberwolves vs Jazz odds, It is time to make our official NBA picks for this affair. But let’s first take a look at the injury report.
For Minnesota, Karl-Anthony Towns remains out with a calf injury. The Timberwolves are hopeful he can return sometime in January. There is no question that his presence is missed by the team.
Taurean Prince has been dealing with a shoulder injury for the Timberwolves as well.
For the Jazz, Simone Fontecchio is dealing with an ankle injury. Meanwhile, potential All-Star Lauri Markkanen was forced to miss Wednesday’s game due to an illness. Utah is hopeful he can return for this contest.
With all of that being said, the Jazz should be able to earn the win while covering the narrow spread at home.
Who to Bet On?
The spread is listed at around 2-3 points, according to most sportsbooks. So the odds of Utah winning outright and losing on the spread are slim.
Betting the moneyline and spread on the Jazz is the best course of action.
Nevertheless, this projects to be a highly competitive Western Conference contest.
NBA Pick: Jazz (-130)
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