The Utah Jazz (26-30) host the Charlotte Hornets (13-41) in Salt Lake City. Although neither team is above .500, there are intriguing matchups. Notably, the visitors retooled and kept key talent. Additionally, they are on a three-game winning streak. Therefore, it appears they are getting hot. At the very least, they appear to be a tough out against teams in their upcoming schedule. However, a key injury concern is important to take note of.
Conversely, the hosts are on a four-game losing streak. But two of those were against the Golden State Warriors. Also, the other two were against the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns. Their ceiling appears limited. Although they possess some nice pieces to build around.
But for tonight, do you see the heavy favorites covering a larger spread?
Utah Jazz vs Charlotte Hornets Betting Odds and Details
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Utah Jazz | -9.5 -112 |
O 228.5 -110 |
-440 |
| Charlotte Hornets | +9.5 -108 |
U 228.5 -110 |
+340 |
| ** Odds Courtesy of DraftKings SportsBook** | |||
Fixture: Charlotte Hornets @ Utah Jazz
Date And Time: February 22, 2024 @ 9:00 p.m. EST
Location: Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah
Key Stats
Utah Jazz (Averages)
Points: 118.0
Points Allowed: 120.7
Field Goal Efficiency: 42.8/90.9 for 47.1%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 13.3/37.1 for 35.9%
Free Throw Efficiency: 19.1/23.2 for 82.2%
Rebounds: 12.9 Offensive, 33.8 Defensive, 46.7 Combined
Assists: 28.4
Steals: 6.7
Blocks: 6.0
Turnovers: 15.1
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 44.6/92.9 for 48.4%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 14.4/37.1 for 38.9%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 17.1/22.1 for 77.3%
Rebounds Against: 10.9 Offensive, 31.0 Defensive, 41.9 Combined
Utah needs to win games they are expected to win by large margins. Although covering the spread isn’t a main issue, leaving the court a victor tonight is essential. Especially as the Utah Jazz are on a losing streak. Even though the losses came against good teams, they can’t afford to lose too much ground in the West. While their offense ranks 11th in the league in terms of scoring, their defense needs to catch up! Even against a bad team, this roster is likely to allow teams to hang around when they shouldn’t.
I think about this shot by Lauri Markkanen on a weekly basis pic.twitter.com/33EHOerZoO
— Jazz Lead (@JazzLead) February 19, 2024
Lauri Markkanen provides their most consistent scoring. He averages 23.4 points per contest and grabs 8.6 rebounds per game as well. But Jordan Clarkson can go off for 30+ points on any given night. While he averages 4.8 assists a game on the season, his scoring is impressive. Especially at home, Clarkson averages 19.6 PPG. While defense remains an issue with this team, they can keep up in terms of scoring. They’ve scored 115 or more in four out of their last five games. You can expect them to keep that trend up tonight.
Charlotte Hornets (Averages)
Points: 108.6
Points Allowed: 119.4
Field Goal Efficiency: 40.9/88.7 for 46.1%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 12.0/33.1 for 36.2%
Free Throw Efficiency: 15.0/19.0 for 78.8%
Rebounds: 10.1 Offensive, 31.0 Defensive, 41.1 Combined
Assists: 24.9
Steals: 6.5
Blocks: 4.7
Turnovers: 13.0
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 43.9/87.6 for 50.1%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 13.6/34.8 for 39.1%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 18.0/22.6 for 79.4%
Rebounds Against: 9.9 Offensive, 34.8 Defensive, 44.7 Combined
Charlotte looks to make a strong run to close the season. Although they are 13th in the East, a play-in spot remains unlikely at this point. Notably, they sit 10.5 games back of the Atlanta Hawks at this point. Essentially, a lot would have to go their way. Moreover, this team is preparing and looking to build for next year. They hope to find the players they like and subsequently move off players in the offseason who fail to impress.
Brandon Miller knocks down 4 3PTS and breaks the franchise record for most 3PTS by a rookie!
Brandon Miller: 112 (48 GMS)
DJ Augustin: 108
Raymond Felton: 97
LaMelo Ball: 92
Adam Morrison: 87pic.twitter.com/Gbr0CEhGnR— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) February 15, 2024
However, Miles Bridges remains their future going forward. This is especially known following the lack of movement from the past NBA trade deadline. Although it remains to be seen how his impending free agency plays out. But for now, Bridges is a key piece and will be a handful for the Utah Jazz down low. Additionally, Nick Richards pulls down an impressive 9.7 rebounds per game. He will have a good outing tonight. But that’s not what is most concerning. LaMelo Ball expected to make a return today, but he is out due to his ankle for yet another game.
Game Prediction
This game plays out as the oddsmakers expect it to. Even though one team looks better and is trending upward, the Utah Jazz have more talent overall. The best player on the court will be Bridges tonight. But unless he goes for 40+, I see the Hornets struggling in Salt Lake City. Therefore I am picking the home team against the spread. While 9.5 points is a lot for a team with a losing record, this matchup bodes well for them.
Additionally, I also see the Hornets struggling to keep pace offensively. Even if one player produces at an unexpectedly high level, they’ve won their last games holding opponents under 110 points. That’s not realistic today against the Utah Jazz on the road. Therefore, I like the under to hit. But this is only because Charlotte fails to keep pace tonight.
Final Pick
Utah Jazz -9.5 and Under 228.5
About the Author
Gabriel is a lifelong sports fan. Pick a sport, and he’ll enjoy talking about it with you! From football to soccer, combat sports, and volleyball! You can follow Gabriel on Twitter @BigTenGabriel to enjoy all of his great content. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel, where we do several shows daily. Also, check out our main page by clicking here! For more fantasy-specific sports content, visit our Total Apex Fantasy Sports website!
