Philadelphia 76ers vs Utah Jazz Betting Pick & Prediction 12/28/24

At 9:30 ET, the 76ers (-266) will take on the Jazz (+220) in a non-conference matchup. Philadelphia is currently favored by 7 points and has won two straight games. The over/under line is set at 222.

This game will be played at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. The 76ers are 11th in the Eastern Conference with an 11-17 record, while the Jazz are 14th in the Western Conference at 7-22. Utah has lost two straight games.

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS VS UTAH JAZZ BETTING PICK

The Pick: Utah Jazz +7

This game will be played at Delta Center at 9:30 ET on Saturday, December 28th.

WHY BET THE UTAH JAZZ:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 138-137 in favor of the 76ers.
• Our projections have Joel Embiid finishing with 30 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists.
• From the field, we have the 76ers finishing with a field goal percentage of 44.4% and knocking down 15 threes.

Can the 76ers Offense Score Enough on the Road?

The 76ers improved to 11-17 on the season with a 118-114 win over the Celtics on Wednesday. Philadelphia, who entered the game as +9.5 point underdogs, not only got the win but also covered the spread. The total score of 232 points went over the pre-game line of 222.

Philadelphia started strong, leading 30-25 after the 1st quarter and 66-58 at halftime. However, Boston outscored them 24-16 in the 3rd quarter, tying the game at 82-82 heading into the 4th. The 76ers then went on a decisive 12-0 run, taking the lead from 85-84 to 96-85, and held on for the win.

Tyrese Maxey’s 33 points and 12 assists led the 76ers to a 118-114 win over the Celtics, with 13 of his points coming in the 4th quarter. Caleb Martin also came up big late, scoring 12 of his 23 points in the final period, hitting 7 threes at a 77.8% clip.

As a team, the 76ers connected on 17 threes, shooting 42.5% from beyond the arc and 46.6% overall. Joel Embiid added 27 points, making 4 threes at 80% efficiency.

Defensively, the 76ers had strong performances in the 1st and 3rd quarters, giving up 25 and 24 points, respectively, but they allowed 33 points in the 2nd and 32 in the 4th. Overall, they allowed 114 points on 45% shooting from the field.

Philadelphia struggled to defend the three, as the Celtics hit 20 threes at a 40% clip. However, the 76ers limited Boston’s trips to the line, where they went 8/13. The 76ers recorded 10 steals and 5 blocks in the game.

Will Utah Secure A Victory as Home Underdogs?

Utah’s season record dropped to 7-22 after a 122-120 loss to the Trail Blazers on Thursday. The Jazz, who entered the game as +3.5 point underdogs, covered the spread with the narrow loss. The game’s total points of 242 exceeded the pre-game line of 227 by 15 points.

Utah went on a 16-0 run to take control, moving the score from 57-55 to 71-57. They led 88-81 going into the 4th quarter but were outscored 41-32 in the final period, leading to the loss.

The Jazz connected on 21 threes at a 50% clip in their loss to the Trail Blazers, finishing with a 47.7% overall shooting percentage. Lauri Markkanen led the way with 25 points, including 12 in the opening quarter and 8 in the final period.

Svi Mykhailiuk hit 6 threes, shooting 50% from deep, and added 9 points in both the 2nd and 3rd quarters. Johnny Juzang also contributed 12 of his 14 points in the 4th quarter.

Defensively, the Jazz had a solid start but struggled in the 4th quarter, giving up 41 points in their 122-120 loss to the Trail Blazers. Overall, they allowed Portland to shoot 50% from the field.

Utah also gave up 15 three-pointers on 39% shooting. The Trail Blazers went to the free-throw line 22 times, making 17. The Jazz finished with 35 defensive rebounds, 9 steals, and 5 blocks.