NBA Handicapping Predictions – Jazz vs 76ers
The Jazz (19-19) have won 8 of their last 9 games facing the 76ers (23-17), they have won 2 straight, and they already beat the 76ers in Utah earlier this season.
Venue/ Stadium: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA
Time/Date: 7 PM EST Friday, March 9, 2012
NCAA Odds From: Bovada
Moneyline: OFF
Spread (ATS): 76ers -6.5
Over/Under: 185
Utah Jazz vs. Philadelphia 76ers Preview
The 76ers have been a surprise this season now in the 4th position in the Eastern Conference, but while they are coming off a win they have lost 7 of their last 10 games. NBA lines have the 76ers as 6.5-point home favorites with a total of 185.
In their last games the Jazz beat the Charlotte Bobcats 99-93 and the 76ers beat the Boston Celtics 103-71.
This season the Jazz are 20-18 ATS with an O/U record of 16-20-2 and the 76ers are 21-18-1 ATS with an O/U record of 14-26.
The Jazz have been playing good D lately giving up an average of 95.2 ppg in their last 5 games. Speaking of defense the 76ers hang their hat on theirs, as they have the best D in the league in terms of opponents’ points per game.
In the earlier match up Derrick Favors and Paul Milsap had big games combining for 34 points and 24 boards and how the 76ers play defense against these guys and the other member of the frontcourt trio of Al Jefferson will be key in this game. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
The 76ers do not have a high scoring offense, but they played stellar in the blowout win over Boston with 6 players scoring in double figures led by Evan Turner’s 26 points and 9 boards. While the Jazz will need a good game from their frontcourt the 76ers will need a good game from the backcourt duo of Jru Holliday (13.5 ppg) and Lou Williams (15.7 ppg) as well as SF Andre Iguodala (12.6 ppg).
With Philly leading rebounder Spencer Hawes out until the middle of this month with an Achilles injury the 76ers will need some guys to step up on the boards and on interior defense.
This season the 76ers are 15-8 at home and the Jazz are 5-13 on the road, but are 2-1 on their current road trip.
In some betting trends for this non-conference match up the Jazz are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall, 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record, and they have an Under record of 6-2-1 in their last 9 road games.
The 76ers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 home games, 10-2 ATS in their last 12 home games vs. a team with a losing road record, and they have an Under record of 22-7 in their last 29 home games.
Jason’s Pick: The Jazz may not win this game, but with their frontcourt they will keep it close and, at least, cover the spread.
