New York Knicks Vs. Utah Jazz: Predictions, Starting Lineups (12/13/23)
Can the Utah Jazz snap out of their recent slide when they host the New York Knicks on Wednesday night? See our New York Knicks vs. Utah Jazz predictions, betting picks, and preview below for an in-depth analysis.
New York Knicks Vs. Utah Jazz Prediction
It has been tough sledding recently for the Utah Jazz; they have dropped five of their past six games, with the only win coming against an equally poor Portland Trail Blazers squad at home.
Meanwhile, New York has won four of its past six games, with its only losses coming against the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics. Both losses were on the road and against top teams in the Eastern Conference. The Knicks currently sit in sixth place in the east but are only 2.5 games out of second place.
This is a matchup nightmare for the Jazz for a number of reasons. First, Utah is without Jordan Clarkson, so its backcourt will consist of Talen Horton-Tucker (39% from the floor, 33% from deep), Keyonte George (36% from the floor, 32% from deep), and Collin Sexton (45% from the floor, 33% from deep.) The Jazz had one of the two or three weakest backcourts in the association before the loss of Clarkson and, now, undoubtedly have the worst unit.
On the other hand, New York’s backcourt is absolutely loaded with quality shooters, scorers, and playmakers, including Jalen Brunson, Immanuel Quickley, Donte DiVincenzo, Josh Hart, R.J. Barrett, and Quentin Grimes.
Second, Utah is dead-last in the NBA in turnovers, while New York commits the eighth-fewest turnovers per game. The Knicks are also eighth in transition points per game and 11th in transition FG%; therefore, expect them to wreak havoc and pressure these young Utah guards early and often. If New York can create scoring opportunities off of turnovers and not have to rely on its half court offense to put up a ton of points, it could run away with this one.
Further, the last three games for the Jazz have been beyond abysmal, as they have the worst net rating in the NBA (yes, even worse than the Pistons) during that stretch. They have lost all of those games by double-digits and have allowed opponents to score nearly 133 points per game on 52.3% shooting and 45.5% from deep.
Lastly, Utah’s only relative advantage versus other opponents throughout the season (with and without Markkanen and/or Kessler) has been rebounding (second in total rebounding rate.) Unfortunately, the Knicks are the best rebounding team in the league, and while Robinson’s absence will hurt a bit, they are deep enough and disciplined enough to keep Utah’s prowess on the glass at bay.
New York Knicks Vs. Utah Jazz Prediction: Knicks -5
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New York Knicks Vs. Utah Jazz Best Odds
The New York Knicks are five-point road favorites against Utah, who will be without Jordan Clarkson and John Collins, two key starters. The Jazz have Moneyline odds of +180 to secure a home win, while New York is -218 to leave Vivint Arena with an outright victory. The Over/Under sits at 228.5 points for this bout.
New York Knicks Starting Lineup
PG: Jalen Brunson
SG: Donte DiVincenzo
SF: R.J. Barrett
PF: Julius Randle
C: Jericho Sims
Utah Jazz Starting Lineup
PG: Keyonte George
SG: Ochai Agbaji
SF: Simone Fontecchio
PF: Lauri Markkanen
C: Walker Kessler
New York Knicks Vs. Utah Jazz Injuries
After missing the past eight games for the Utah Jazz, Lauri Markkanen (hamstring) is set to return to the starting lineup. Walker Kessler (foot) is also listed as probable for this home game against the Knicks. However, Utah will unfortunately be without John Collins (illness) and Jordan Clarkson (arm) for this matchup, leaving it shorthanded on the offensive end of the floor.
Meanwhile, Mitchell Robinson is going to miss the next few months after suffering an ankle injury that requires surgery. Immanuel Quickley (knee) is day-to-day and will likely be a game-time decision for the Knicks.
