Raptors vs Jazz Picks and Predictions: Can Utah Handle Huge Spread?

Like the comet that took out the dinosaurs, the Toronto Raptors have come back down to Earth after a hot start.

Toronto has lost five of its last six games straight up and against the spread, and if it wants to break out of its current funk, it'll need to do so as big underdogs as it visits the Utah Jazz.

The Jazz are a formidable team but have been inconsistent as big chalk. So, who covers the large number? Find out in our free picks and predictions for Raptors vs. Jazz on November 18.

Raptors vs Jazz odds

Odds via the Covers Line, an average comprised of odds from multiple sportsbooks.

The Raptors opened this matchup as 9-point underdogs and the early money has come in on the Jazz, moving the line to 9.5. The total has held steady at the opening number of 214.5.

Use the live odds widget above to track any future line movements right until tip-off and be sure to check out the full NBA odds before betting to ensure you get the best number.

Raptors vs Jazz predictions

• Prediction: Raptors +9.5 (-110)
• Prediction: Under 214.5 (-110)
• Best bet: Gobert Over 13.5 Points (-130)

Predictions made on 11/18/2021 at 11:25 a.m. ET.
Click on each prediction to jump to the full analysis.

Raptors vs Jazz game info

• Location: Vivint Arena, Salt Lake City, UT
• Date: Thursday, November 18, 2021
• Tip-off: 9:00 p.m. ET
• TV: SN1

Raptors vs Jazz betting preview

Injuries

Raptors: OG Anunoby SF (Questionable), Precious Achiuwa PF (Questionable).
Jazz: Rudy Gay SF (Questionable).
Find our latest NBA injury reports.

Betting trend to know

The Jazz are 2-4 ATS in their last six games when favored by nine points or more and haven’t covered the spread in back-to-back games since covering in four straight to begin the year. Find more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Jazz.

Raptors vs Jazz picks and predictions

Our predictions are compiled from the analysis of the spread and total and are indications of where we are leaning for this game.
Our best bet is the play that we like the most for this game, which we would actually put some of our bankroll behind.

Spread analysis

The Raptors were surprising opponents early on this season, with their tenacious defense and opportunistic offense, leading them to a 6-3 start. But since then, the defense has had a few hiccups and the offense is still trying to find its identity. As a result, the Raps are 1-5 SU/ATS in their last six games.

The Raptors kicked off a six-game road trip with a 118-113 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night where they allowed the Blazers to shoot 56.1 percent from the field — a trend that has been consistent through this slump. Over this six-game stretch, the Raps rank dead last in the Association in opponent field goal percentage.

To make things even tougher on the Raps in this one, they could be down one of their best players for this matchup. OG Anunoby is questionable for this game with a hip injury.

Meanwhile, the Jazz are coming off a big 120-85 win over the Joel Embiid-less Philadelphia 76ers, but prior to that, Utah had lost four of five SU and ATS. That included losses to the Orlando Magic and Indiana Pacers.

One of the reasons for the big win on Tuesday was that the Jazz got hot from deep, going 16-38, while they've mostly struggled from beyond the arc so far (23rd in 3-point%). And even though Rudy Gobert looks like a mismatch for the Raps, they are one of the leaders in opponent points in the paint and should be able to battle the Jazz on the inside.

The Jazz should win this game, but keep an eye on Anunoby’s status leading up to tipoff. If he plays, I like the Raps' chances to cover this big number.

Prediction: Raptors +9.5 (-110)

Over/Under analysis

With a total of just 214.5 and two Top 10 offenses, you might think the Over is the slam-dunk play in this matchup. But hold your horses.

Yes, the Jazz rank first in the NBA in offensive rating, but they haven't been a good 3-point shooting team so far. That sounds like an oxymoron in today’s NBA, but it’s true, as the Jazz are hitting just 32.5 percent of their attempts from deep.

So, obviously, it takes longer to put up points when you are doing most of your scoring on the inside. On top of that, the Jazz rank 19th in the NBA in pace.

Speaking of pace, not many teams milk the shot clock more than the Raptors, who rank 28th in pace this season. And the Raptors' offense really takes a step back in the half-court and, as a result, they rank 21st in scoring. 

When you combine this with two defenses that play better than their defensive ratings indicate, we're leaning towards this one going Under the number.

Prediction: Under 214.5 (-110)

Best bet

While the Raptors should be able to do a decent job against the Jazz on the inside, that’s all relative when it comes to guarding Rudy Gobert. The Jazz center is averaging 14.9 points per game this season and has scored 14 or more points in four of his last five games.

Since Pascal Siakam has been back for the Raptors, he's started at center, but he is clearly undersized to try and guard Gobert all by himself. On top of that, Precious Achiuwa is questionable for this matchup. That makes Khem Birch the Raps' best bet to slow down Gobert and while he is an active defender, he won’t be able to handle Gobert all on his own.

Bet on the Jazz big man to go Over his point total in this one.

Pick: Rudy Gobert Over 13.5 Points (-130)

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