Phoenix Suns (5-6) vs. Utah Jazz (4-7)
NBA Phoenix Suns vs. Utah Jazz 11/17/23 – Today’s NBA picks present us with an intriguing matchup between two Western Conference teams – Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz – which could shape both of their early season narratives. Boasting star players on both sides and an attractive point spread, this should make for an exhilarating battle. In this piece, we’ll dive deeper into its stats, key players, betting trends and predictions ahead of Friday night clash.
The Phoenix Suns, currently sporting a 5-6 record, have shown both flashes of brilliance and challenges thus far this season. Their offense has been an area of strength averaging 113.7 points per game with an impressive 46.7% field goal percentage led by Devin Booker’s impressive 31.3 points average per game proving they possess enough firepower to compete against any opponents.
Utah Jazz have had an inauspicious start, opening their season 4-7. Their offensive output has been consistent; averaging 114 points per game with 46.1% field goal percentage. Lauri Markkanen has been an integral member of their success this year, scoring 23.9 points and 8.6 rebounds each game while using his three-point shooting to stretch out opponents on defense.
NBA Phoenix Suns vs. Utah Jazz 11/17/23 Game Info
| When: | Friday, November 17, 2023 at 10:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Delta Center |
| TV: | ESPN |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Devin Booker (SG) vs. Lauri Markkanen (PF)
Devin Booker has been one of the key components to Phoenix Suns success this season. In three games he’s started and averaged 31.3 points per game, placing him amongst one of the league’s premier scorers. Booker’s ability to create shots both from outside the arc and driving to the basket poses a serious threat for defenses while his 8.7 assists per game showcase his playmaking prowess on court – yet his turnover rate has been an Achilles heel, averaging 4.3 per game – yet limiting this could make him an X-factor against Utah Jazz.
Lauri Markkanen has been an impressive player for the Utah Jazz this season, averaging 23.9 points and 8.6 rebounds per game while also providing consistent scoring presence from both inside and beyond the arc. Markkanen’s ability to stretch the floor with three-point shooting (he is shooting 36.9% from three), create opportunities for his teammates while pressuring opposing defenses; on defense he contributes with 0.9 steals and 0.8 blocks per game which displays his versatility as both offensive and defensive contributor. Markkanen will need to continue scoring while also contributing on defense to give Utah another shot at winning win.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: Phoenix Suns -140, Total 235.5
As for the current betting odds, the Phoenix Suns are favored by 2.5 points with a moneyline of -140, while the Utah Jazz are the underdogs with a moneyline of +120. The total points for the game are set at 235.5, with the over/under odds at -111.
Phoenix Suns Betting Trends
The Suns have proven their propensity for high-scoring games by going OVER in 4 of their last 5 contests, as evidenced by 4 total going OVER in their previous 5. Furthermore, when facing Utah Jazz opponents they’ve proven an excellent bet; going 9-4 against the spread over their last 13 meetings during that span. Furthermore, their away record against Utah was 5-1 last time out so their ability to cover the spread against Utah could play a pivotal role in this encounter between teams!
Utah Jazz Betting Trends
The Utah Jazz have seen mixed results recently, going 2-4 against the spread (ATS) in their last six outings and totaling 10 of 13 total OVERs since September 1. If they hope to secure victory against Phoenix Suns at home court they need to improve their ATS record; historically when playing Phoenix in Utah at home they have struggled, going 1-5 against this trend; take advantage of your home court advantage and overcome this trend and you might just have yourself an unlikely victor!
Phoenix Suns vs. Utah Jazz 11/17/23 Betting Picks
Both teams come into this matchup with unique strengths and weaknesses that need to be considered, with the Phoenix Suns holding an edge in recent head-to-head matchups against Utah Jazz, thanks to Devin Booker’s scoring and playmaking ability proving key in turning this contest around.
On the other hand, Lauri Markkanen can provide scoring that could tip the scales in their favor and allow the Jazz to spring a surprise victory.
Given the recent trends and the Suns’ dominance over the Jazz, our expert prediction leans towards the Phoenix Suns covering the -2.5 point spread and the game going OVER 235.5 total points. Expect a closely contested game, but with the Suns coming out on top.
Free Pick and Prediction: Phoenix Suns 118, Utah Jazz 112