Oklahoma City Thunder vs Utah Jazz Picks and Predictions January 22nd 2025

Thunder Look to Continue Home Dominance Against Struggling Jazz

The Oklahoma City Thunder, the top team in the Western Conference, aim to extend their home winning streak when they host the Utah Jazz, who sit at the bottom of the conference standings, on Wednesday night.

While the Thunder (36-12) have been one of the NBA’s hottest teams, winning 20 of their last 22 games, the Jazz (20-29) have struggled mightily, losing 11 of their last 14.

Thunder Unstoppable at Home

The Thunder have not lost at home since Nov. 17, boasting a 19-2 record at Paycom Center—the second-best home winning percentage in the NBA behind Cleveland.

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Isaiah Joe Finding His Rhythm

A major X-factor for the Thunder lately has been Isaiah Joe, who has rediscovered his elite three-point shooting touch.

• Last game vs. Brooklyn (127-101 win) – 24 PTS, 8-for-10 from three
• Last 6 games – Averaging 15.2 PPG, 55.9% FG, 54.5% 3PT

Joe had struggled earlier in the season (just 35.2% from three), but head coach Mark Daigneault has worked to expand his offensive role.

“We’re willing to take a step backward to take two steps forward,” Daigneault said. “To this point, he has been a stationary shooter, but we think there’s more there because of his speed and his motor. We’ve put him on the move more, run more stuff through him.”

With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drawing defenders, Joe’s ability to move and shoot off screens adds another layer to OKC’s already dangerous offense.

Jazz Looking for Upset

Utah enters this game on a three-game losing streak, coming off a tough 123-119 overtime loss to New Orleans.

The Jazz’s biggest problem? Turnovers.

• NBA-worst 17.6% turnover percentage
• OKC forces a league-leading 18.5 turnovers per game
• Last matchup (Dec. 3) – Utah committed 29 turnovers, leading to 45 Thunder points

If the Jazz want any chance to stay competitive, they must take care of the ball.

Isaiah Collier’s Growth

One bright spot for Utah has been the development of rookie guard Isaiah Collier.

• Last 4 games – Averaging 15.5 PPG, 9.8 APG in 34 MPG
• First 29 career games – Just 3.4 PPG, 4.1 APG

Collier struggled in his first matchup against OKC (3 PTS, 4 TOs), but he has been watching film and improving his decision-making.

“That has been great for me,” Collier said. “Watching a lot of film every single day, building on it, that’s the biggest thing for me. The turnovers going down is what I’m most proud of.”

His improved playmaking will be crucial against OKC’s top-ranked defense, which allows just 103.2 points per 100 possessions—the best defensive rating in the NBA.

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Can the Jazz Handle the Thunder’s Pressure?

With Oklahoma City’s dominant home record, elite defense, and surging offense, Utah faces an uphill battle.

• Can Isaiah Collier and the Jazz limit turnovers?
• Will Isaiah Joe continue his red-hot shooting for the Thunder?
• Can OKC extend their 19-game home winning streak?

With two teams on opposite ends of the standings, Wednesday’s game could be another statement win for OKC—or a much-needed upset for Utah.