Warriors vs. Jazz Prediction, Pick and Preview, January 1 (1/1): NBA

Credit: photo by Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

 

Odds

 

Time	9:00 p.m. EST
Warriors money line	+155
Warriors spread	+4.5 (-110)
Jazz money line	-190
Jazz spread	-4.5 (-110)
Over / under	223.5

 

Preview

The Golden State Warriors will travel to Salt Lake City and take on the Utah Jazz this evening. 

Golden State has been on a tear this season, and at 27-7, they now sit alone atop the vaunted Western Conference.

Utah really hit their stride last month, winning won 12 of 14 games in December. 

Golden State Warriors

Steph Curry is in the midst of an MVP season. The former Davidson guard had outbursts 33 and 46 points last week, and he shows no signs of slowing down. He's averaging 27.7 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 5.9 apg, while shooting 40% from deep.

Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole have stepped up this year in Klay Thompson absence, and given the Warriors two strong scorers surrounding Curry. Both slashers average over 17 points per game.

Draymond Green continues to heartbeat of the Golden State roster, but the tenth-year swiss-army knife is set to miss this one due to health protocols.

Utah Jazz

Donovan Mitchell is having another All-Star season, and the fifth-year guard is on pace to lead the Jazz in scoring again as he's up to 24.8 ppg.

Rudy Gobert's presence is unmatched league-wide. The Stifle Tower commands attention defensive, and doesn't take away from the offense at all. Gobert has been a menace on the boards, and he leads the league with 14.7 rpg.

Reigning Sixth Man of the Year Jordan Clarkson has endured a few shooting woes, but the walking microwave is coming off of a 22-point game.

Joe Ingles and Bojan Bogdanovic continue to thrive in the Utah system, and represent two of the best role players and snipers in the league. Bogdanovic recorded his second double-double of the season last night.

Prediction

Golden State will really miss Draymond's presence here. Donovan's Mitchell's return to the lineup has Utah back at full strength, what better way for them to start the new year off than with a win over the one-seed in the Western Conference. We like them at this manageable margin.

Take Utah's spread at home this evening.

PICK: Utah Jazz -4.5

 

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