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Phoenix Suns vs. Utah Jazz - Game Analysis and Prediction

On December 13, 2024, the Phoenix Suns (12-11) will face off against the Utah Jazz (5-18) at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. This Western Conference showdown pits a Suns team looking to snap a three-game losing streak against a struggling Jazz squad that sits near the bottom of the standings. With the Suns as the favorites, this game carries significance for both teams aiming to recalibrate during the season.

 

Odds Table

Team	Spread	Moneyline	Total (Over/Under)
Phoenix Suns	-4.5 (-115)	-260	o229.5 (-105)
Utah Jazz	+4.5 (-105)	+215	u229.5 (-115)

The Suns are 4.5-point road favorites, and the over/under is set at 229.5 points. This indicates expectations for a moderately high-scoring affair.

Team Analysis

Phoenix Suns

The Suns come into this game with a 12-11 record, sitting 10th in the Western Conference. They are 4-7 on the road and have struggled recently, dropping their last three games. Key players include Devin Booker, averaging 24.9 points per game with an impressive 90.4% from the free-throw line, and Jusuf Nurkić, who leads the team in rebounds with 9.9 per game.

• Key injuries: Kevin Durant (GTD), Jalen Bridges (GTD), Collin Gillespie (Out until Dec. 19).

Utah Jazz

The Jazz have had a tough season, currently holding a 5-18 record and ranking 14th in the West. Despite their struggles, Lauri Markkanen has been a bright spot, leading the team with 18.6 points per game. Walker Kessler has been dominant on the boards, averaging 11.1 rebounds per game, including a league-leading 4.0 offensive rebounds per game.

• Key injuries: Lauri Markkanen (GTD), Jordan Clarkson (GTD), Taylor Hendricks (out for the season).

Recent Performance

Phoenix Suns

The Suns have struggled to find consistency, going 2-3 in their last five games:

• 12/8: Lost to Orlando 115-110
• 12/7: Lost to Miami 121-111
• 12/5: Lost to New Orleans 126-124
• 12/3: Defeated San Antonio 104-93
• 11/30: Defeated Golden State 113-105

Utah Jazz

The Jazz have had an even tougher stretch, also going 2-3 but suffering a blowout loss in their most recent game:

• 12/8: Lost to Sacramento 141-97
• 12/6: Defeated Portland 141-99
• 12/3: Lost to Oklahoma City 133-106
• 12/1: Defeated Los Angeles Lakers 105-104
• 11/30: Lost to Dallas 106-94

Head-to-Head Comparison

The Suns and Jazz have faced off once this season, with Phoenix emerging victorious 120-112 on November 12. The Suns' superior offensive firepower and defense proved too much for the Jazz in that game, and they'll aim to replicate that success in this matchup.

Against the Spread (ATS) Records

Phoenix Suns:

• Overall ATS: 10-13
• ATS as favorites: 8-7
• ATS on the road: 3-8

Utah Jazz:

• Overall ATS: 8-15
• ATS as underdogs: 6-13
• ATS at home: 3-8

Betting Stats and Trends

Key trends for the Suns:

• The Suns are 2-5 ATS in their last seven games.
• The total has gone over in four of the Suns' last six games.
• Phoenix is 5-2 ATS in its last seven matchups against Utah.

Key trends for the Jazz:

• The Jazz are 1-4 ATS in their last five games.
• The total has gone over in three of the Jazz's last five games.
• Utah is 1-6 ATS in its last seven home games.

 

Prediction