The Utah Jazz get a tune-up ahead of Saturday’s late game on Christmas Day with a visit from the Minnesota Timberwolves in Salt Lake City this evening.
The last time both teams met, Donovan Mitchell went for 36 points, routing the Wolves 136-104.
The Timberwolves have several notable players out for tonight due to entering the league’s COVID protocols, including Anthony Edwards, Patrick Beverley, and Jarred Vanderbilt. By the time the game tips off, Minnesota could have as many as seven players out, with five due to COVID protocol and two others due to injury in Naz Reid and Jaylen Nowell.
It’s a daunting task for Minnesota, especially coming off the first leg of a back-to-back on Tuesday vs. the Dallas Mavericks, but can they surprise and cover a double digit spread in Utah?
Let’s break down the latest odds for this game, courtesy of WynnBET.
Spread:
Moneyline:
Total:
Timberwolves vs. Jazz Betting Trends
With so many players out for Minnesota, along with playing the second leg of a back-to-back, the line’s clearly inflated in Utah’s favor. However, rather than focus on a team, I’ll lean towards the over instead.
The total opened at 225.5, which I discussed earlier this morning on the latest episode of “Bet & Breakfast” and has since moved up to 227.
— Ben Heisler (@bennyheis) December 23, 2021
The Timberwolves tend not to pack their defense with them in their suitcase whenever they travel; as overs are hitting at a 69.2% clip whenever they’re on the road. That’s the highest percentage in the NBA.
Meanwhile, the Jazz hit the over 63.2% of the time following wins this season; going 12-7-1 ATS. Considering that they dropped 136 on Minnesota the last time they played, I expect the league’s top-rated offense to continue to play well, especially with the Timberwolves short-handed.
Feel free to back the Jazz if you choose, but maybe do so earlier in the game as a 1st quarter or 1st half bet. They’ve blown double-digit leads now in three consecutive home games.
I’ll back plenty of scoring ahead of Christmas where offense goes to die. Since 2005, unders have gone 35-20-1 on December 25th games.
PICK: Timberwolves-Jazz OVER 227 (-110)
