Raptors-Jazz prediction, pick, how to watch
The Toronto Raptors (23-29) visit the Utah Jazz (26-26) on Wednesday night. Action Tips at 9:10 p.m. ET. Below we continue our NBA odds series with a Raptors-Jazz prediction, pick and how to watch.
Toronto has lost two of its last three games and sits 12th in the Eastern Conference. The Raptors have covered 50% of their games while 56% have exceeded their target point total. Utah is coming off a big road win over Dallas and sits ninth in the Western Conference. The Jazz have covered 56% of their games while 55% have gone beyond. This will be the first of two meetings between the enemies of the conference.
Here are the Raptors-Jazz NBA odds, courtesy of FanDuel
NBA Odds: Raptors-Jazz Odds
Toronto Raptors: +3 (-110)
Utah Jazz: -3 (-110)
More: 230.5 (-110)
Minus: 230.5 (-110)
How to watch Raptors vs. Jazz
Television: Sportsnet, ATTSN Rocky Mountain
Stream: NBA League Pass
Time: 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT
*Watch LIVE NBA games with fuboTV (click for free trial)*
Why the Raptors could cover the spread
Toronto have had a disappointing season so far as they are in serious danger of missing the play-off altogether. That being said, the Raptors have a great chance of covering road underdogs tonight thanks to their solid two-way play. While the Raptors are below par offensively, they excel at executing the fast break. Toronto ranks third in quick break points (17.6 PPG) – something they will look to use early and often against a Utah team allowing the third most quick break points per game ( 16.6 Opp.PPG). While not very effective otherwise, Toronto does an incredible job of taking care of the ball as they average the fewest turnovers in the league (11.8 TOPG).
If Toronto is to cover tonight, it will likely need a big performance from star Pascal Siakam. The all-around attacker averages 25.0 PPG, 8.0 RPG, and 6.3 APG. Along with leading his team in both scoring and rebounding, Siakam shoots effectively 47% from the floor. While his production has dwindled in recent weeks, a big game awaits him tonight as the Jazz allowed the 10th-highest points per game.
As good as Siakam has been all season, point guard Fred VanVleet has been almost as impressive in recent games. Over his last five games, VanVleet has averaged 21.6 PPG and 7.2 APG. A skilled playmaker and shot-maker, VanVleet was deadly from beyond the arc as well. He’s averaging three threes per game in his recent hot streak and is coming off a 24-point outing against the Suns.
The X factor for Toronto tonight is big man Precious Achiuwa. The 6’8″ big missed a significant part of the start of the season but is getting back into shape at a perfect time. Achiuwa has been a double-double machine in recent games, doing so in five of his last six games. He’s averaged 17.2 PPG and 10.5 RPG over that span and has a great chance of surpassing those numbers with a favorable game. While Utah is a strong rebounding team, they allow the fourth-most points in the paint (54.2 Opp. PPG).
Why jazz could cover the spread
Utah continues to drag in the Western Conference playoff picture and they are firmly in the mix. The Jazz have an explosive offense that ranks fourth in the league in scoring (117.5 PPG). They rank in the top 10 in assists (25.9 APG) as they like to share the ball and find open shooters. Utah is one of the most prolific away shooting teams in the NBA, averaging fourth in threes per game (14.5 15h/game). That bodes well for their chances of covering tonight considering Toronto allowed the second-highest three-point percentage in the league (37%).
Utah’s best chance to cover tonight comes with a big play from future All-Star Lauri Markkanen. Markkannen already had a breakout year before the calendar turn, but he’s gone nuclear since the start of 2023. In games on Jan. 11, Markkanen averaged 28.5 PPG and 9.0 APG. He averaged 3.4 triples per game over that span while shooting 44% from beyond the arc. After scoring 20+ points in 18 straight games, expect another solid night tonight.
The X factor for Utah tonight is guard Collin Sexton. Sexton was a notable inclusion in their off-season Donovan Mitchell trade, but missed a significant portion of the year through injury. While his minutes have been limited, Sexton has avoided 14.8 PPG in six games since his return. A misguided outside shooter, look for Sexton to have plenty of success against a Raptors defense that struggled to contain opposing guards.
Final Raptors-Jazz Prediction and Selection
Toronto has been incredibly inconsistent, but I like that they’re keeping things tight tonight given how well VanVleet has played in recent games.
Prediction and choice of the Raptors-Jazz final: Toronto Raptors +3 (-110)