Suns Look to Extend Dominance Over Jazz in Key Western Conference Clash
Alright, basketball fans, we’ve got a big one coming up! The Phoenix Suns are set to face the Utah Jazz in what could be a defining moment for both teams this season. Tip-off is at 10 PM ET at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, and there’s a lot at stake in this Western Conference matchup.
The Suns, sitting at an even 25-25, are looking to bounce back after a brutal 140-109 loss to the Thunder. Meanwhile, the Jazz, who are struggling with a 12-37 record, just pulled off a thrilling 131-128 win against the Warriors. But let’s be real—Utah has had a rough time against Western Conference teams, with a 4-28 record in those matchups. And historically, they’ve had no luck against Phoenix, losing nine straight to the Suns.
Now, let’s talk injuries because they could play a huge role in this game. Utah will be without Jordan Clarkson (foot) and Collin Sexton (ankle), two key players in their backcourt. On the Suns’ side, Kevin Durant (ankle) and Bradley Beal (toe) are questionable, which means Phoenix might have to rely heavily on Devin Booker. And let’s not forget—neither team’s recent trade acquisitions, including Cody Martin for the Suns and Josh Richardson for the Jazz, will be available yet.
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Looking at the odds, the Suns are 8.5-point favorites, and the over/under is set at 232.5 points. Phoenix has been strong at home, holding a 15-9 record, but they’ve also dropped three straight games. The Jazz, on the other hand, are just 7-19 on the road, making this an uphill battle for them.
So, who steps up tonight? If Durant can’t go, Devin Booker will need to carry the scoring load. He’s been averaging 26 points per game this season and has been a consistent offensive force. If Beal does play, he’ll look to continue his hot streak, having scored 25 points in back-to-back games.
For Utah, Lauri Markkanen is expected to return after missing the last game due to a back injury. He’s their leading scorer and could be the Jazz’s best hope to keep this game competitive. John Collins and Keyonte George are also key players to watch. Collins just posted a double-double against Indiana, while George had a strong 26-point performance against Golden State.
What does the data say? SportsLine’s proven model has simulated this game 10,000 times, and it’s leaning toward the under on total points. One side of the spread is also hitting in over 50% of simulations, but you’ll have to check out their full analysis to see which way to bet.
Bottom line—if history tells us anything, the Suns have dominated this matchup, and unless the Jazz pull off something special, Phoenix is in a prime position to get back in the win column. Let’s see how it all unfolds!
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