Denver Nuggets vs Utah Jazz Picks and Predictions November 2nd 2024

Nuggets vs Jazz November 2nd 2024

The Utah Jazz (0-5) are 10.5-point underdogs as they travel to face the Denver Nuggets (2-3) in a Northwest Division matchup. Tip-off is scheduled for 10:00 ET at Ball Arena.

ALT will have the TV coverage for this game.

Jazz vs. Nuggets Key Information

Utah’s season-opening struggles continued on Thursday, as they fell to 0-5 after a 106-88 home loss to the Spurs. Entering the game as +2.5 point underdogs, the Jazz failed to cover the spread, losing by 18. The combined score of 194 points fell well short of the 220.5-point O/U line.

Utah started strong, leading 30-19 after the 1st quarter, but the Spurs went on a 13-0 run early, extending the score from 9-3 to 22-3. The Jazz were outscored 30-14 in the 3rd quarter and couldn’t mount a comeback, as the Spurs pulled away in the 4th, outscoring Utah 29-21.

The Jazz struggled offensively in their loss to the Spurs, managing just 88 points on 39% shooting from the field. They hit only 7 threes, connecting at a 21.9% rate from beyond the arc.

Collin Sexton led the Jazz with 16 points, scoring 8 in the 4th quarter. Keyonte George added 15 points, while John Collins contributed 14 points and 11 rebounds, with 6 points coming in both the 1st and 4th quarters.

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Despite a strong defensive effort, the Jazz couldn’t capitalize, allowing 106 points in their loss to the Spurs. They held San Antonio to just 19 points in the 1st quarter but gave up 28 in the 2nd, 30 in the 3rd, and 29 in the 4th.

Utah limited the Spurs to 41% shooting, including 27% from three, where San Antonio made 12 threes. The Jazz also sent the Spurs to the line 23 times, where they hit 18 free throws. Defensively, Utah recorded 6 steals and 6 blocks.

The Nuggets fell to 2-3 on the season after a 119-116 road loss to the Timberwolves on Friday. Denver entered the game as +3.5 point underdogs and covered the spread, while the total score of 235 points went over the 219-point line.

Minnesota’s 15-0 run early in the game put Denver in a tough spot, but the Nuggets battled back, outscoring the Timberwolves 32-31 in the 2nd quarter and 31-28 in the 4th. Denver went into the final period trailing 91-85 but couldn’t complete the comeback.

The Jazz struggled offensively in their loss to the Spurs, managing just 88 points and shooting 39% from the field. Their three-point shooting was particularly poor, as they hit only 7 threes at a 21.9% clip.

Collin Sexton led the Jazz with 16 points, scoring 8 of those in the 4th quarter. Keyonte George added 15 points, while John Collins contributed 14 points and 11 rebounds, with 6 points coming in the final period.

The Nuggets struggled defensively, giving up 119 points to the Timberwolves, who shot 51% from the field. Denver allowed 33 points in the 1st quarter and 31 in the 2nd, but their best defensive effort came in the 3rd, where they gave up 27 points.

From beyond the arc, the Timberwolves hit 18 threes at a 42% clip. Denver sent Minnesota to the line 18 times, where they made 15 free throws. The Nuggets gave up 8 offensive rebounds but recorded 11 steals and 2 blocks.

For a point-spread bet in this Jazz vs. Nuggets matchup, we’re leaning towards the Jazz at +10.5. Although our projections show the Nuggets winning 119-112, we suggest placing your bet on the Jazz for the point-spread.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 218.5, and our model projects the Jazz and Nuggets to reach a combined total of 231 points. Our bet is on taking the over.

Jazz Seek First Win, Brace for Reigning MVP Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets

The Utah Jazz, still searching for their first win, face an imposing challenge as they visit the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night, coming off a tough 106-88 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Victor Wembanyama’s dominant performance on Thursday has given the Jazz a preview of the firepower they’ll face against Denver’s Nikola Jokic, who’s on another level early in the season.

Jokic’s Early MVP Form

The Nuggets’ star center, Jokic, has continued his MVP-caliber play with two 40-point games and a pair of triple-doubles in just five games. Denver’s record may not reflect his efforts, as they’ve had an up-and-down start with a 2-3 record and two overtime wins on the road. Their latest setback came in a close 119-116 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, a game where they also lost point guard Jamal Murray, who took a hard hit to the head after colliding with Julius Randle.

Coach Michael Malone confirmed that Murray’s status is uncertain and could sideline him as the team monitors him for concussion symptoms. With Denver already relying heavily on their starters, Murray’s absence adds strain to their roster, leaving Malone to adjust rotations and possibly rely on rookie Hunter Tyson for additional minutes.

Young Jazz Players Step Up Amid Injuries

While Denver navigates their own setbacks, Utah has been struck by injuries to key players as well. The Jazz will be without rookie Taylor Hendricks, who suffered a season-ending leg injury, and they’ll likely miss Lauri Markkanen, who’s managing back spasms. This opens the door for other young players, like rookies Kyle Filipowski and Cody Williams, who started Thursday’s game against the Spurs.

Filipowski embraced the opportunity, showing promise with 12 points on 5-for-8 shooting and a strong 50% clip from beyond the arc. Williams, however, struggled with his shot, missing all six field-goal attempts, though he managed to sink two free throws.

Despite the challenges, Filipowski and Williams remain eager to make their mark in the league. “What I’m trying to do is just stay ready,” Filipowski shared, reflecting the resilience the Jazz will need as they face one of the NBA’s most formidable teams. Williams echoed the sentiment, adding, “Knowing that everything can change in an instant, and not taking it for granted… we know we have a teammate who wishes he could be out there.”

Keys for the Jazz to Compete

To have a chance against Denver, Utah will need a complete team effort and may lean on their defensive focus. Wembanyama’s recent success against the Jazz exposed weaknesses they’ll need to address quickly, as Jokic is an even more versatile scorer and facilitator. In addition, Utah’s reserves and young players will need to bring high energy and execute on both ends of the floor.

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The Jazz have the advantage of rest compared to the Nuggets, who are playing back-to-back games for the second time this week. But the key question will be whether Utah’s defense can limit Jokic’s influence on the game while finding consistency on offense, especially from their rookie starters.

Denver’s Home Court Edge

With the Nuggets returning to Ball Arena, they’ll look to stabilize their early-season performance, especially in front of their home fans. If Murray is sidelined, Denver’s bench will need to step up to support Jokic, while the Jazz will look to capitalize on their fresh legs and defensive discipline.

Saturday’s game offers the Jazz an opportunity to snap their winless streak and signal improvement, while the Nuggets seek to steady their record and continue Jokic’s MVP-worthy pace. For Utah, it’s a test of resilience; for Denver, it’s a chance to bounce back and assert their dominance at home.