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Jeremy Perry
Jazz vs. Rockets: Game 5 Prediction, NBA Playoff Odds
Following back-to-back losses to the Houston Rockets at home, the Jazz now face a must-win situation on the road for Game 5 on Tuesday night. Utah has looked completely overwhelmed in each of their last two losses and looks like they’re about to tap out (or have already). Can they at least cover in Game 5?
NBA Point Spread and Betting Analysis
It’s tough to rely on stats or trends in this situation as the Jazz are really up against the wall here. At any rate, they are 14-5 ATS in their last 19 road games against a team with a winning home record. However, the Jazz are just 10-11-1 SU and 9-12 ATS after a loss by 10 or more.
Meanwhile, the Rockets continue to own the Jazz, winning and covering 10 of the last 15 meetings. They are also 30-6 in their last 36 against teams with a winning record.
Utah Jazz
The Jazz had no answer for slowing down the Houston attack in back-to-back losses. It didn’t help that they struggled with their offensive efficiency in their Game 4 matchup as well. Donovan Mitchell scored 25 points on eight-of-24 from the field before fouling out. Joe Ingles finished with 15 points on six-of-13 shooting in the loss. If Mitchell and Ingles continue to struggle from the field in Game 4, this series will be over. Getting Ricky Rubio back could give this team a boost but it’s unclear if he’ll be back or what he can give this team.
One key area where Utah will need to be better is three-point shooting. As a team, the Jazz hit just seven-of-29 attempts from beyond the arc in their Game 4 loss. Jae Crowder, Royce O’Neale and Alek Burks in particular combined to hit one-of-12 attempts from beyond the three-point line. The Jazz are getting nothing from the supporting cast and that’s a big problem. If the three-ball isn’t falling and the Mitchell gets no help, this series is over.
Houston Rockets
James Harden and Chris Paul continued to dominate the Jazz in Game 4. It was Paul’s turn to lead the way with 27 points, 12 rebounds and six assists. Harden finished with 24 points, four rebounds and three assists. A lot has been made about the individual matchups in this series but as long as Harden and Paul continue to click, it will be almost impossible for Utah to keep up at either end of the floor.
With Game 5 back home the Rockets should be able to continue their dominance against the spread. Houston is 5-2 ATS in its last seven conference semi-final games dating back to last season. The Jazz no longer look like they’re up for this. They were fired up after the Game 2 win but after losing Games 3 and 4 at home, they aren’t going to have the fight in them. Look for the Jazz to have a good first half and then fade in the latter stages.
