Preview: Thunder vs. Jazz
In a highly anticipated Western Conference showdown, the Oklahoma City Thunder are set to face off against the Utah Jazz on Thursday, January 18, at 9:00 p.m. ET. The stakes are high as the Thunder aim to bounce back from a recent slump, while the Jazz look to extend their impressive winning streak.
Oklahoma City's Comeback Trail
The Thunder, currently second in the Western Conference with a 27-13 record, have hit a rough patch, enduring a two-game losing streak. They suffered a disappointing defeat to the LA Clippers with a score of 128-117 and also fell to the Los Angeles Lakers in a recent matchup. Despite these setbacks, the Thunder remain just two games behind the Minnesota Timberwolves in the standings and are favorites to win against the Jazz, with BetMGM listing them as 3.5-point favorites.
Oklahoma City is looking to leverage its track record of success against Utah, having triumphed in their last four encounters, including a decisive 134-120 victory earlier this season. Moreover, the Thunder have demonstrated a strong ability to cover the spread, doing so in 66.7% of their games, although this figure dips slightly to 55.6% in road games. Following a day’s rest—a scenario in which they cover 69.6% of the time—the team will be eager to improve upon their 4-6 record against the spread as road favorites and reverse the trend of losing four out of their last six away games.
The Thunder's resilience will be tested as they play their third game in four days. However, they come into the match without any reported injuries and will rely heavily on their top performers. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, averaging 31.0 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game, is expected to lead the charge alongside Josh Giddey, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren, who have been key contributors throughout the season.
Jazz Seeking Home Court Supremacy
On the other side of the court, the Utah Jazz are not to be underestimated. Currently ninth in the conference standings, the Jazz have been dominant at the Delta Center, securing nine consecutive home victories. They head into this matchup after dismantling the Indiana Pacers with an emphatic 132-105 win, where Collin Sexton shone brightly, scoring 30 points and dishing out five assists.
The Jazz are seeking their seventh straight win overall and are poised to capitalize on their extra rest advantage. Having had a two-day break before the upcoming game, they are well-rested and ready to challenge the Thunder. This rest could prove crucial, especially considering that fatigue was cited as a factor in the Thunder's recent loss to the Clippers.
Utah's roster has been hampered by injuries, with five players sidelined in their last game, but the team's depth has allowed them to maintain a competitive edge. Lauri Markkanen, averaging 24 points per game this season, along with Jordan Clarkson's solid contributions, will be instrumental in Utah's pursuit of their tenth successive home victory. The Jazz have a remarkable home game ATS (against the spread) record, leading the league at 16-4-0, and as home underdogs, they cover 76.9% of the time. With a 4-2 record against the spread following a 2-3 day rest period, the Jazz are in a favorable position to continue their strong performance against the odds.
Remembering Dejan Milojević
It is worth noting that the Jazz's game against the Warriors was postponed due to the passing of Dejan Milojević, adding an emotional element to their return to the court. The team will undoubtedly be motivated to honor his memory with a strong performance.
Final Thoughts
As the Thunder and Jazz prepare for their clash, both teams have much to prove. Oklahoma City is determined to regain their momentum and maintain their standing near the top of the Western Conference, while Utah aims to defend their home court and climb the ranks. With no expected injuries for the Thunder and the Jazz coming off a longer rest period, this game promises to be a tightly contested battle between two formidable foes.
Betting enthusiasts might take note of the odds provided by BetMGM, which favor the Thunder but also reflect the competitive nature of this matchup. "Utah Jazz +3.5 (-110 with BetMGM)" indicates that while the Thunder are the favorites, the Jazz are expected to keep the game close, a testament to their resilience and home court