Utah Jazz Vs Oklahoma City Thunder Prediction, Preview, And Betting Odds
The Oklahoma City Thunder and Utah Jazz are set to clash in an exciting matchup on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at 07:00 PM ET at the Delta Center (Salt Lake City). Here’s a comprehensive preview of the game, including betting odds, and a game prediction.
- Date: Thursday, January 18, 2024
- Time: 7:00 PM ET
- Location: Delta Center (Salt Lake City)
- TV: Bally Sports Oklahoma, AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain
Match Prediction Oklahoma City Thunder vs Utah Jazz
This is another difficult game to predict, but I think the Thunder have the advantage here. They are playing at home, have a more cohesive unit, and their high-octane offense could exploit the Jazz’s defensive weaknesses. I’m going to predict a Thunder win by 7 points.
Head to Head
- Oklahoma City Thunder: 51 wins
- Utah Jazz: 37 wins
Recent matchups:
- December 11, 2023: Oklahoma City Thunder 134, Utah Jazz 120
- March 7, 2023: Utah Jazz 85, Oklahoma City Thunder 95
- April 6, 2023: Utah Jazz 98, Oklahoma City Thunder 114
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Utah Jazz Preview
The Utah Jazz (15-17) visit the Oklahoma City Thunder (18-13) in a clash of young, rebuilding teams hungry for playoff spots. Both teams have exceeded expectations this season, with the Thunder surprising many with their strong start.
The Jazz are without key players Lauri Markkanen and Rudy Gobert for this game, which significantly hampers their offense and defense. Despite these absences, Donovan Mitchell (25.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.6 assists) and Jordan Clarkson (18.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.9 assists) have kept them competitive.
The Thunder boast a talented young core led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (31.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists) and Josh Giddey (15.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 6.0 assists). They play an exciting, fast-paced brand of basketball and are tough to beat at home.
Utah Jazz vs Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Odds
- Spread: Thunder -7.5 (-110), Jazz +7.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Thunder -300, Jazz +240
- Over/Under: 227.5 points (Over -110, Under -110)
Key Players:
- Oklahoma City Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, Luguentz Dort
- Utah Jazz: Donovan Mitchell, Jordan Clarkson, Mike Conley
Injuries:
- Oklahoma City Thunder: Chet Holmgren (out), Vit Krejci (out)
- Utah Jazz: Lauri Markkanen (out), Rudy Gobert (out)
FAQs for Oklahoma City Thunder vs Utah Jazz
Is Oklahoma City good at basketball?
The Thunder are one of the most balanced teams in the NBA. Oklahoma City is one of just two squads – the other being the Boston Celtics – to have both a top-five offensive (120.4) and defensive (111.3) rating.
How did OKC get the Thunder?
While the team was struggling in the first years of the 2000s, several off-court events took place—including the sale of the Sonics to a group of Oklahoma-based investors and the state and city governments’ refusals to pay for a publicly funded arena—that ultimately led to the franchise’s relocation to Oklahoma.
Who is the best player ever to play for the Oklahoma City Thunder?
In the Thunder record book, one name stands atop the lists of most career points (18,859), rebounds (5,760), assists (6,897), steals (1,442), and minutes (28,328) in Thunder history. Russell Westbrook.
What sport is Oklahoma State known for?
Football
Football is special at OSU — and nothing is more special than our home games.
Does OKC have a ring?
The Oklahoma City Thunder have won 1 championship all time.
Read More: Toronto Raptors Vs Chicago Bulls Prediction, Preview, And Betting Odds
Conclusion
The Jazz vs. Thunder matchup is another intriguing contest between two rising teams. The Jazz will need to overcome key absences and play their best to steal a win on the road. The Thunder, with their dynamic play and home-court advantage, are favored but shouldn’t take the Jazz lightly. This game could go down to the wire, so buckle up for an exciting battle!
