The Philadelphia 76ers (38-32) will visit the Utah Jazz (21-49) on Saturday. Tip-off from Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, is at 9:30 p.m. ET.
Sixers Aim for Guaranteed Playoff Berth
The Sixers come into the game having won 3 of their last 4. They beat the Sacramento Kings on the road 139-118. G V.J. Edgecombe scored 38 points and F Justin Edwards hit 7-of-11 threes for 32 points. Philly is ninth in the East, tied record-wise as the No. 7 Atlanta Hawks and No. 8 Miami Heat.
They trail the No. 6 Orlando Magic by a half-game to get into a guaranteed playoff berth.
Jazz Look to Build Momentum
The Jazz have been eliminated from postseason contention. They snapped a 4-game losing streak Thursday, beating the visiting Milwaukee Bucks 128-96. G Ace Bailey had 7 threes, leading the Jazz with 33 points.
The Jazz are 13-22 at home and, coming off a win, have not won consecutive games since winning 2 straight Feb. 9-11.
Previous Meeting
The Sixers beat the Jazz 106-102 in Philly March 4, but the Jazz covered the 7.5-point spread as underdogs.
By the Numbers
- The Sixers are 18-16 on the road.
- The Jazz have the league’s worst defense, allowing 124.8 points per game.
- The total in their earlier meeting was 208.
Betting Odds and Trends
The Sixers have beaten the Jazz in 4 straight meetings, but the Jazz have covered the spread in the last 3. Their last 4 wins since beating the Jazz earlier this month have been by at least 6 points. In fact their last 11 wins other than their victory over Utah, have been by at least 6 points.
The Jazz are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 outright losses.
The Over is 4-2 in Utah’s last 6 games.
Three of the Sixers’ last 6 and 4 of their last 8 games have had totals surpassing 230.
Six of the Jazz’ last 10 have also cleared 230.
The Sixers, while missing 4 of their top 5 scorers, managed to put up 138 points on the lowly Kings.
Expect the Sixers to pick up the win, but with -250 odds to win outright, you will get better value betting either team to cover the spread.