NBA Predictions: Will Gobert, Jazz get best of host Thunder? 12/5/17

Jazz vs. Thunder Pick

Are the visiting Utah Jazz going to dominate for a second consecutive day tonight when they play the Oklahoma City Thunder at 8PM ET?

According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, the Thunder are listed as an 8-point favorite on the spread line. The total is set at 197 points.

Utah comes into action with a 13-11 record and 14-10 ATS after a 116-69 home win over the Wizards. Oklahoma City is 10-12 overall and 8-14 ATS following a 90-87 home victory over the Spurs. The Jazz won the first meeting this season by a 96-87 score in Utah on Oct. 21. The Thunder are 3-2 straight up and 3-2 ATS in five meetings since the start of last season. The under is 3-2.

In the blowout win against Washington, Utah received a boost with the return of center Rudy Gobert from a knee injury. He tallied four points along with 10 rebounds, three assists and two blocked shots over 21 minutes. Alec Burks recorded 27 points, five rebounds and three assists to lead the way off the bench. Joe Ingles had 11 points and two assists. Royce O'Neale added 11 points, seven boards and six assists off the bench. The Jazz led 64-30 at halftime.

Russell Westbrook had a triple-double of 22 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in the win over San Antonio. Steven Adams accounted for 19 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Carmelo Anthony contributed nine points, six boards and three assists. Jerami Grant added nine points and six rebounds off the bench.

The Jazz are 2-9-1 ATS in the last 12 meetings in Oklahoma City. The under is 10-3 in the last 13 meetings.

Bet on Jazz vs. Thunder

The Jazz are almost back at full strength and Rodney Hood hasn't even really been missed due to the re-emergence of Alec Burks as a scorer off the bench. Utah has been a pleasant surprise this season and stayed afloat while Gobert was out with the injury. The slow pace and defensive-minded philosophy are typically difficult for opponents to deal with. The spread here is jacked up a couple points because of the back-to-back with travel, but I like Utah to cover against an Oklahoma City team that has been extremely volatile so far this season.

 

NBA DAILY PREDICTION: UTAH JAZZ +8