Utah Jazz vs Houston Rockets Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 29/03/2024, 06:47  by Kennedy Kechula | Modified on 29/03/2024 at 06:47 in NBA Predictions

The in-form Houston Rockets will seek to extend their current NBA winning run when they play away to the Utah Jazz next. Eleventh-placed Houston sit a place above Utah in the Western Conference but are more than 10 games clear of their hosts. The Jazz have lost their last seven matches which is the longest they have gone without a win this season. They have also been eliminated from playoff contention and are playing for pride now with nine games left to go. Will Hardy’s men were defeated 118-111 last time out at home by fellow West strugglers San Antonio. This worsened their record to 29-44. Lauri Markkanen scored 25 in the game but remains on the team’s injury report due to a shoulder issue. Jordan Clarkson remains out while Johnny Juzang is questionable. The Jazz have averaged 111.7 points over their last three matches.

The Rockets have been the best team in the NBA for the last fortnight or so. Ime Udoka’s men have won their last 10 matches. This is their longest winning run this season and the second longest streak this campaign. A win here will see them tie the longest winning run achieved by the Celtics earlier this year. This magnificent streak has propelled them back into the playoff picture. With 10 matches left to play, the Rockets are just one game adrift of the play-in places. The Warriors hold the final play-in spot and Houston play them a week from now. To make the game count, they have to win their next three matches first. The one against the Jazz is the easiest on paper as they have to play Minnesota and Dallas after this trip. Houston defeated the Thunder in OT 132-126 last time out. The road win improved their record to 37-35. It was also the sixth game in their hot streak that they had managed to score over 120 points. One of those high scoring matches was a 147-119 success over the Jazz at home which allowed them to go 2-0 up in this series. Cam Whitmore and Alpren Sengun remain sidelined and will not play here.