The Houston Rockets host the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night at Toyota Center. Tip-off is at 8:00PM ET. Houston enters at 49-27 and sits second in the Western Conference. Utah is last in the West with a 16-60 record and was officially eliminated from playoff contention weeks ago.
This is the third meeting between the teams this season. Houston won the most recent game on March 27 by 11 points in Utah. The Rockets are looking to bounce back from a road loss to the Lakers. Utah dropped another close one Monday in Charlotte, marking their 60th loss of the season.
Rockets Preview – Eyes on the 2-Seed
Houston has been one of the hottest teams in the league over the last month. They’ve won 12 of their last 14 games and are battling Denver for the second-best record in the West. Alperen Sengun continues to be a steady force inside, scoring 33 points in the last meeting with Utah.
Houston’s defense ranks top five in points allowed and field goal percentage. They also hold teams to the second-fewest threes per game. Fred VanVleet and Jalen Green lead the backcourt, while rookie Amen Thompson has added a strong mix of defense and scoring.
The Rockets are 27-11 at home and have covered the spread in 46 of their last 75 third quarters. They also own the second-best net rating in the West over the last 10 games. With no players on the injury report, they are healthy and focused heading into the final stretch.
Jazz Preview – Youth Movement in Full Swing
Utah’s main goal right now is developing young talent. They’ve already broken the franchise loss record, and most of their veteran starters are out with injuries. Isaiah Collier has been a bright spot. The rookie leads the team with 7.7 assists per game since becoming a starter and just broke John Stockton’s rookie assists record.
Collier had 17 points and 7 assists in the last game. Brice Sensabaugh added 19 points, while Kyle Filipowski recorded a double-double. But the Jazz continue to struggle on defense, ranking near the bottom in opponent field goal percentage, three-point defense, and turnovers.
Utah is 7-30 on the road this season and has lost four of its last five games by double digits. Lauri Markkanen, Jordan Clarkson, and John Collins remain out. Without their core, the Jazz have little hope of competing against top playoff teams down the stretch.
Betting Prediction
Houston is favored by 17.5 points at home. The Rockets are 39-35-2 against the spread and 27-11 at home. Utah is just 7-30 on the road and has covered only 20 fourth-quarter spreads in their last 54 games.
The last time these two teams played, Houston covered easily. With Utah missing several starters and Houston playing for playoff seeding, this one could get out of hand quickly. Expect Houston to pull away in the second half and win big.
Pick: Houston Rockets -17.5
This game is going to be a blowout. The Houston Rockets are going to win this game big time over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday. Enjoy the game and good luck!
