Preview: Thunder vs. Jazz
In a thrilling Western Conference clash, the Oklahoma City Thunder are set to face off against the Utah Jazz this Thursday, January 18, at 9:00 p.m. ET. The Thunder, who are currently positioned second in the conference with a strong 27-13 record, will look to bounce back after stumbling through a two-game losing streak. Meanwhile, the Jazz are riding the momentum of six consecutive victories and aim to extend their winning streak further.
Betting Odds
According to BetMGM, the Thunder enter the contest as 3.5-point favorites. This betting line reflects Oklahoma City's solid performance throughout the season, despite their recent slip-ups against formidable Los Angeles teams—the Clippers and the Lakers. On the other hand, the Jazz, holding ninth place in the Western Conference standings, have displayed resilience, especially on their home court at Delta Center where they have secured nine straight wins.
Recent Performances
The Jazz are coming off an impressive 132-105 victory over the Indiana Pacers, while the Thunder are looking to recover from a 128-117 defeat at the hands of the LA Clippers. Oklahoma City also recently fell short against the Los Angeles Lakers, adding urgency to their quest for redemption.
Adding to the narrative is the Thunder's slim two-game gap behind the Minnesota Timberwolves in the conference standings, a margin they're eager to close. However, they face a Jazz team mourning the loss of Dejan Milojević, which led to the postponement of their game against the Warriors, granting them a two-day rest period before the upcoming game.
Team Dynamics
Oklahoma City comes into the matchup without any reported injuries and having had a day off prior to the game, but they are playing their third game in four days, which could be a test of their endurance. In contrast, the Jazz had five players sidelined in their last outing, yet still managed to secure a win, showcasing their depth.
Historically, the Thunder have dominated recent encounters with the Jazz, winning their last four meetings, including a 134-120 victory earlier this season. However, the Jazz's extra rest advantage and their exceptional home game ATS (against the spread) record—best in the league at 16-4-0—could play a critical role in the outcome of this match.
Against the Spread Insights
Oklahoma City has covered 66.7% of their games against the spread this season, though their road game percentage dips to 55.6%. They've lost four of their last six away games and are 4-6 against the spread when favored on the road. Nevertheless, they cover 69.6% of the time following a day’s rest.
The Jazz, not to be outdone, cover 61% of their games against the spread overall. As home underdogs, they've been particularly effective, covering 76.9% of the time. Additionally, Utah is 4-2 against the spread after enjoying 2-3 days off.
Player Spotlights
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been a powerhouse for the Thunder, averaging 31.0 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game. His supporting cast includes Josh Giddey, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren, who contribute significantly across the board, ensuring that Oklahoma City remains a well-rounded threat.
On the Jazz side, Lauri Markkanen has been a standout, averaging 24 points per game this season. Collin Sexton's recent performance against the Pacers, where he scored 30 points and dished out five assists, highlights his scoring prowess. Jordan Clarkson also continues to be a key contributor for Utah, averaging 17.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game.
Expectations for the Game
Fatigue was cited as a factor in the Thunder's recent loss to the Clippers, and with the team playing multiple games in quick succession, stamina may once again come into play. Conversely, the Jazz, with their additional rest, might hold an edge in terms of freshness and readiness.
The expectation is high for the Jazz to leverage their home-court advantage and secure their tenth successive home victory. With both teams having something to prove, this matchup promises to be a compelling battle between two determined Western Conference contenders.
For those interested in the betting aspect, the line "Utah Jazz +3.5 (-110 with BetMGM)" suggests that