Utah Jazz vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 02/04/2024, 07:00  by Kennedy Kechula in NBA Predictions

The reeling Utah Jazz will be at home against the Cleveland Cavaliers seeking to end their current losing stretch. They come to this game sitting 12th in the Western Conference while the Cavaliers are third in the East. The Jazz have lost nine straight matches which is the longest they have gone without a win this season. Will Hardy’s men, who are out of playoff contention, were defeated 127-106 last time out by the Kings. This saw their record drop to 29-46. The Jazz will be without Jordan Clarkson, Lauri Markkanen, and John Collins for this game due to injuries. This is a big blow as the three are among the Jazz’s best scorers. Utah have averaged 105.7 points over their last three matches.

The Cavaliers are coming off a humiliating 130-101 loss to the Nuggets in Denver and will be out for an immediate response. J.B. Bickerstaff’s men have struggled with inconsistency in recent weeks. They haven’t won successive games in over a month and have lost 11 times in their last 18 outings. This has seen them lose ground in the race for second place in the East. Cleveland, who have compiled a 45-30 record, are 2.5 games back on the second-placed Bucks. They have seven more matches left to get out of their struggles before the conclusion of the regular season. This isn’t the form they want to be in when the playoffs begin. The Cavs have won three of the last four meetings with the Jazz. They defeated them 126-116 in the reverse match back in December. Isaac Okoro, Craig Porter Jr., and Dean Wade will not be available for this trip due to injuries. Cleveland have averaged 109.7 points over their last three fixtures.