Game 1 of the Utah Jazz-Denver Nuggets series was a wild one. The Nuggets had controlled most of the first half, but it was the Jazz that ended up fighting back and bringing the game into overtime. Despite 57 from Donovan Mitchell, the Nuggets were able to hold onto the win and go up 1-0 in this series. What’s in store for Game 2, which is set for Wednesday afternoon?

NBA Point Spread and Betting Analysis

Lately, the head-to-head matchup has been in favor of the Nuggets as they have won all four matchups this season. The Nuggets have also been 4-4 ATS in a neutral court like the ones in the bubble. They’ll be favored again in Game 2 and while they are only 23-24 ATS in that role this season, they are 38-14 straight up.

Meanwhile the Jazz 3-6 ATS on a neutral court and 10-8 ATS when they are the underdog. They don’t fair well against these high-flying teams as they are now 10-18 ATS in their last 28 when facing a team that scores at least 106+ points per game.

Utah Jazz

The Jazz played in the Game 1 without their starting point guard Mike Conley but were still able to keep up the Nuggets and score 125 points in the game. They were led primarily by Mitchell, who recorded a career-high 57 points on 57.6% shooting. He was able to carry almost all of the offensive load down the stretch of that game and without him on the floor, the Jazz offense looked sloppy. Jordan Clarkson was able to give a nice boost off the bench with 18 points on 47% shooting, but their bench unit did not have much offensive success outside of him (just eight points).

If the Jazz are without Conley for Game 2, then expect Mitchell to attempt to will his team to a victory in the next matchup. If this team wants any chance to win this series, they will need to tighten up defensively after allowing 135 points in the overtime loss. Remember, this is a team that used to be one of the best defensive units in the league but they’ve completely collapsed in the bubble.

Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets put forth a really strong offensive game, scoring 135 points and only had 11 turnovers. However, they have to improve on the defensive side of the ball as well after allowing Utah to score 125 points. Denver might see themselves as a bit lucky as they were trailing by four with 1:46 remaining and the Jazz had the ball until Mitchell made an inexplicable eight-second violation. That turned the tide. At any rate, Denver’s defense has been a disaster in the bubble, giving up 124.7 points per game over their last seven contests.

The good news is that offensively, they played a great game. Jamal Murray was hitting big shot after big shot, pouring in 36 points to go along with nine assists on 65% shooting from the field.

Nikola Jokic also had a good game himself with 29 points and 10 rebounds on 52.4% shooting from the field. Their bench contributed as Monte Morris added on 14 points and Jerami Grant added 19. They were able to put up this much offense without two key players in Gary Harris and Will Barton as well.

Who Will Win Jazz vs. Nuggets?

JAZZ

Away

124

NUGGETS

Home

130

Score
Predictions

Matchup