Utah Jazz vs Phoenix Suns Picks and Predictions November 12th 2024

At 9:00 ET, the Phoenix Suns (-165) will travel to Salt Lake City to take on the Utah Jazz (+138) in a Western Conference matchup. The Suns are favored by 3.5 points, and the over/under line is set at 228.5.

This game will be played at the Delta Center and can be seen on KJZZ.

Suns vs. Jazz Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: Phoenix Suns at Utah Jazz
• Where: Salt Lake City at Delta Center
• Date: Tuesday, November 12th
• Betting Odds PHO -3.5, PHO -165 | UTA +138 O/U 228.5

The Suns Can Win If…

The Suns fell to 8-2 on the season after a 127-118 home loss to the Kings on Sunday. Phoenix entered the game as +1 point underdogs and failed to cover the spread. The total score of 245 points exceeded the O/U line of 230 by 15 points.

Phoenix trailed 36-31 after the 1st quarter and 60-53 at halftime. They rallied in the 3rd quarter, outscoring the Kings 29-19 to take an 82-79 lead into the 4th, but Sacramento responded by winning the final quarter 32-29.

In the Suns’ 127-118 loss to the Kings, Bradley Beal led the way with 28 points and 8 rebounds, shooting 50% from the field. Devin Booker added 23 points and 12 assists, while Tyus Jones contributed 22 points, hitting 6 threes at a 60% clip.

Phoenix made 18 threes as a team, but shot just 31.6% from deep and 41.9% overall. Beal and Booker each made 3 threes, shooting 30% from beyond the arc.

The Suns tightened up defensively in the 2nd and 3rd quarters, giving up just 24 and 19 points, respectively, but a 36-point 1st quarter and a 32-point 4th quarter from the Kings contributed to a 127-118 loss. Overall, Phoenix allowed Sacramento to shoot 49% from the field.

On the bright side, the Suns did an excellent job defending the three, holding the Kings to just 11 made threes on 29% shooting. They also sent the Kings to the line 19 times, where they made 16 free throws. The Suns recorded 40 defensive rebounds, gave up 8 offensive boards, and added 11 steals.

• In their last ten games away from home, the Suns have a straight up record of 7-3 while going 5-5 vs the spread. The team’s offense averaged 114 points per game in these contests.
• Across their last three matchups as the betting favorite, the Suns have an overall record of 3-0 while going 0-3 against the spread.
• Over their last five games, the Suns have an over/under record of 3-2 and are 1-4 vs. the spread.

The Jazz Can Win If…

On Saturday, the Jazz improved to 2-7 with a 111-110 win over the Spurs, picking up a road victory. Utah entered the game as +6.5 underdogs and covered the spread with the win. The total points for the game were 221, just under the 221.5-point line.

Utah led 25-22 after the 1st quarter and extended their lead by winning the 2nd quarter 28-23. The Spurs went on a 10-0 run, turning a 75-69 deficit into a 79-75 lead. Utah tied the game at 82 heading into the 4th quarter and edged out the Spurs 29-28 in the final period to secure the win.

Collin Sexton led the Jazz with 23 points on 61.5% shooting in their 111-110 win over the Spurs, while Lauri Markkanen added 20 points despite shooting just 33.3% from the field. Markkanen hit 3 threes at a 42.9% clip, and Jordan Clarkson also struggled from the field, shooting 33.3% and making 2 threes at 33.3% efficiency.

As a team, the Jazz connected on 10 threes, shooting 30.3% from beyond the arc, and finished with an overall field goal percentage of 46.3%. Clarkson scored 11 of his 16 points in the 4th quarter, and John Collins added 10 of his 15 points in the 3rd quarter. Sexton contributed 9 points in the final period.

Defensively, the Jazz were strong in the 1st and 2nd quarters, giving up just 22 and 23 points, respectively, but struggled in the 3rd, allowing 37 points. They tightened up in the 4th, giving up 28 points, and held the Spurs to 110 points on 44% shooting.

The Jazz allowed 17 threes on 36% shooting from deep and sent the Spurs to the line 19 times, where they hit 17 free throws. Utah gave up 6 offensive rebounds while recording 13 steals and 4 blocks.

• The Jazz are 2-1 ATS in their last three home games and 2-1 straight-up.
• Through their last three games as the underdog, the Jazz have an ATS record of 2-1 and a straight up mark of 2-1.
• In their last five games, the Jazz have an over/under record of 2-3 and are 2-3 vs. the spread.

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The Lean

The Jazz come in as the underdog at +3.5, making them our top choice on the point spread. We not only expect them to cover the spread but also believe they have a strong chance of winning the game outright, especially if you’re aiming for a higher moneyline payout.

Regarding the over/under, the current line is set at 228.5, and our model predicts the Suns and Jazz to score a combined 254 points. We recommend betting on the over.

The Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz are set to launch their NBA Cup campaigns on Tuesday night in Salt Lake City. With both teams eager to set a positive tone in this second season of the NBA’s in-season tournament, this game promises excitement and a competitive edge as they navigate group play.

Recent NBA Cup History

Last year’s NBA Cup saw Phoenix excel, finishing with a strong 3-1 record in group play and advancing to the knockout rounds. Utah, in contrast, had a challenging outing, ending with a 2-2 record and falling short of the knockout stage. With renewed focus and roster changes, both teams are looking to make a deeper run this season and build momentum from the start.

Team Trajectories and Current Form

Utah Jazz

Utah’s season began with struggles, opening 0-6—their worst start in a decade—but they have shown flashes of improvement recently, winning two of their last three games. Their latest victory came in a nail-biter against the San Antonio Spurs, 111-110, where Collin Sexton’s clutch free throws sealed the win. Sexton’s offense has been vital; Utah has won every game in which he’s scored 20 or more points this season, signaling his importance to their success.

Phoenix Suns

Phoenix, on the other hand, opened the season with a seven-game winning streak before falling to the Sacramento Kings in a 127-118 overtime battle. Missing Kevin Durant due to a calf injury, the Suns relied on star scorers Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, who both stepped up to keep the team competitive. With a roster hit by injuries, Phoenix is looking to showcase its depth and adaptability in this tournament.

Key Players to Watch

Utah Jazz

• Collin Sexton: Known for his scoring spark, Sexton has been pivotal to Utah’s recent wins. His offense will be critical to the Jazz’s game plan, especially as they navigate Phoenix’s defensive schemes.
• Lauri Markkanen: Back from a back issue, Markkanen provides the Jazz with scoring versatility and strong offensive presence, giving Utah a valuable edge on the court.
• Kyle Filipowski: This rookie forward has shown poise and playmaking abilities, adding depth to the Jazz’s lineup. His chemistry with players like John Collins and Markkanen will be essential in Utah’s frontcourt.

Phoenix Suns

• Devin Booker: With Durant sidelined, Booker has been leading Phoenix’s offense. His consistency and ability to take over games will be crucial for the Suns in their NBA Cup opener.
• Bradley Beal: After battling early injuries, Beal’s presence and health are essential. His scoring and playmaking provide much-needed support to Phoenix’s offensive push.
• Mason Plumlee and Josh Okogie: In the potential absence of Jusuf Nurkic (ankle injury), Plumlee and Okogie have been reliable reserves. Plumlee’s rebounding and Okogie’s defensive contributions add important depth to the Suns’ lineup.

Team Strategies and Game Outlook

Utah Jazz

The Jazz, riding some recent improvements, are aiming to establish a fast-paced rhythm. Head coach Will Hardy has a young roster with players like Filipowski and Isaiah Collier adding fresh energy. Utah may push the tempo, leverage their home-court advantage, and use Sexton and Markkanen’s offensive strengths to test Phoenix’s defensive resilience.

Phoenix Suns

With injuries impacting key players like Durant and Nurkic, Phoenix’s depth will be under the spotlight. Coach Mike Budenholzer has shown trust in his reserves, and players like Plumlee and Okogie will be expected to contribute. Look for the Suns to lean on perimeter shooting from Booker and Beal while keeping their defense solid to counter Utah’s high-tempo play.

This NBA Cup opener will see Phoenix test their resilience amidst injuries and Utah continue their upward trend on home court. With both teams looking to gain early traction, this game promises intensity and a competitive spirit as each team aims to establish themselves in group play.