Chicago Bulls vs Utah Jazz Picks and Predictions November 4th 2024

Bulls vs Jazz November 4th 2024

At 8:30 ET, the 0-6 Utah Jazz will take on the 3-3 Chicago Bulls in a non-conference matchup. The Bulls are currently favored by 7.5 points and the over/under line is set at 228.

This game will be played at the United Center in Chicago and can be seen on KJZZ.

Jazz vs. Bulls Key Information

The Jazz dropped to 0-6 on the season after a 129-103 loss to the Nuggets on Saturday. Utah, who were +11 point underdogs, failed to cover the spread, and the game’s total of 232 points went over the 221.5-point line.

Denver’s 15-0 run early on set the tone, and while Utah edged the Nuggets 30-28 in the 2nd quarter, they were outscored 34-19 in the 3rd, entering the 4th down 99-75. The Jazz lost the final quarter 30-28.

In their 129-103 loss to the Nuggets, the Jazz shot 41.6% from the field and 31% from three-point range, hitting 13 threes. Walker Kessler led the team with 18 points and 14 rebounds, shooting 83.3% from the floor.

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Johnny Juzang added 17 points, making 3 threes, while Keyonte George contributed 16 points and 8 assists, connecting on 4 threes. Kessler scored 13 of his 18 points in the 4th quarter.

The Jazz struggled defensively against the Nuggets, giving up 129 points on Saturday. They allowed 37 points in the 1st quarter and 34 in the 3rd, with Denver shooting 48% from the field.

Utah had trouble defending the three, as the Nuggets hit 16 threes at a 50% clip. The Jazz also gave up 19 offensive rebounds but recorded 7 steals and 8 blocks.

After a 120-112 loss to the Nets on Friday, the Bulls are now 3-3 for the season. Chicago, who were +1 point underdogs, failed to cover the spread. The game’s total points of 232 exceeded the 228.5 O/U line.

The Nets went on a 10-0 run early, breaking a 13-13 tie. Chicago fought back, outscoring Brooklyn 30-24 in the 3rd quarter, but the Nets pulled away in the 4th, outscoring the Bulls 28-22.

In their 129-103 loss to the Nuggets, the Jazz shot just 41.6% from the field and 31% from beyond the arc, connecting on 13 threes. Walker Kessler led the way with 18 points and 14 rebounds, shooting 83.3% from the floor.

Johnny Juzang added 17 points, hitting 3 threes at 42.9%, while Keyonte George contributed 16 points and 8 assists, making 4 threes at 36.4%. Kessler scored 13 of his 18 points in the 4th quarter.

Defensively, the Bulls struggled in the 1st and 2nd quarters, allowing 37 and 31 points, respectively, before tightening up in the 3rd, where they gave up just 24 points. Overall, they allowed 120 points on 52% shooting from the field.

Chicago did a solid job defending the three, holding the Nets to 11 made threes on 30% shooting. The Bulls sent Brooklyn to the line 13 times, where they made 11 free throws. Chicago finished with 34 defensive rebounds, gave up 9 offensive boards, and recorded 5 steals and 3 blocks.

Not only do we have the Bulls winning this one by a score of 126-113, but we see them covering the spread. Our pick is to grab the Bulls at -7.5.

Regarding the over/under, the current line is set at 228, and our model predicts the Jazz and Bulls to score a combined 239 points. We recommend betting on the over.

Bulls Focus on Securing Leads Against Struggling Jazz

The Chicago Bulls, aiming to rebound from a tough loss against Brooklyn, will look to tighten up defensively as they host the Utah Jazz on Monday night. While Chicago has displayed high energy offensively and competitiveness throughout the season, late-game defensive breakdowns have occasionally undermined their efforts, as seen in their 120-112 defeat to the Nets on Friday. As they prepare to face a winless Utah Jazz team, the Bulls are focused on holding onto leads and making defensive adjustments to close out games successfully.

Bulls’ Defensive Focus and Offensive Consistency

The Bulls (3-3) have relied on a fast-paced offense and strong shooting from the perimeter, showcasing an arsenal of three-point threats led by Zach LaVine, Coby White, and Nikola Vucevic. Vucevic has been particularly efficient, shooting 55.2 percent from the field and averaging a double-double (17.5 points, 11.7 rebounds per game) across six games. His 28-point, 11-rebound performance against Brooklyn was a bright spot, demonstrating his effectiveness as both a scorer and rebounder.

LaVine and White have also contributed significantly, combining for 42 points and 10 three-pointers in Friday’s game. However, guard Josh Giddey emphasized that while their offense has been productive, a collective defensive effort is crucial if they’re to close out games, especially with Chicago’s solid defensive personnel.

“I don’t think a lot of guys have come out of games saying they didn’t have to work for their buckets,” Giddey noted. “We’ve got room for growth in that area.”

Jazz Struggling to Find Their Footing

The Utah Jazz (0-6) are enduring one of their worst season starts in franchise history. A winless record and five consecutive losses by a total of 110 points underscore the challenges they’re facing on both ends of the court. Utah’s latest setback, a 129-103 blowout by the Denver Nuggets, highlighted their struggles with turnovers and defensive gaps. The Jazz committed 22 turnovers, including 14 live-ball giveaways, which proved insurmountable.

Walker Kessler has been a key bright spot for Utah, securing a double-double with 18 points and 14 rebounds against Denver. The 7-footer has been productive early this season, averaging 9.7 points and 11.2 rebounds per game, both career highs. Coach Will Hardy praised Kessler’s performance and physicality, noting his improvement this season.

“Walker has shown early this season the impact that he can have,” Hardy said. “The work he’s done on his body is showing up.”

With Lauri Markkanen (back spasms) and Taylor Hendricks (broken right leg) sidelined, the Jazz are leaning on younger players to step up. Johnny Juzang, who tallied 17 points against Denver, is among those contributing valuable minutes as Utah develops depth.

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Key Matchups and Strategies

1. Bulls’ Three-Point Shooting vs. Jazz Perimeter Defense
   Chicago has proven to be one of the league’s most capable teams from beyond the arc, with LaVine, White, and Vucevic showing confidence from long range. Utah will need to be vigilant in defending the perimeter, as Chicago can quickly build leads with their three-point shooting.
2. Nikola Vucevic vs. Walker Kessler in the Paint
   Both Vucevic and Kessler are coming off double-doubles and are capable of dominating the glass. Vucevic’s offensive efficiency will test Kessler’s defense, while Kessler’s rebounding will be key to limiting Chicago’s second-chance points.
3. Chicago’s Defensive Discipline vs. Utah’s Turnover Struggles
   Utah’s turnover issues could play right into Chicago’s hands, especially if the Bulls apply consistent pressure throughout the game. The Jazz need to protect the ball and avoid live-ball turnovers, which Chicago can capitalize on to build momentum.

Outlook

The Bulls have a clear opportunity to improve their closing efforts and build on their fast-paced offense against a Jazz team struggling to find its rhythm. LaVine’s impressive scoring streak against Utah (11 straight games with at least 20 points) bodes well for Chicago, especially if they can hold off any late-game surges. For the Jazz, Kessler’s interior presence and contributions from younger players like Juzang and Kessler will be crucial in staying competitive.

Overall, if the Bulls can maintain their defensive focus and continue their efficient shooting, they have a strong chance to secure a victory and extend Utah’s early-season woes. The Jazz will need to address their turnover issues and play with resilience if they hope to break into the win column on Monday night.