Raptors vs Jazz Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game

The Toronto Raptors are really bad at tanking. Toronto keeps winning and is closer to the play-in than a Top 5 pick. Yet it’s not for lack of trying as the Raps continue to trot out G-League level lineups in most games these days. 

Maybe they should take some pointers from tonight’s opponent, the Utah Jazz who are now just a half-game the Washington Wizards for the NBA’s worst record.

My Raptors vs. Jazz predictions sort through this tank-off and bring you my NBA picks for this game set to tip off at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, at 9:30 pm ET, on Friday, March 14.

Raptors vs Jazz prediction

My Raptors pick: Raptors moneyline (+110 at PointsBet Canada)

My analysis
Let’s just get this out of the way. The Toronto Raptors are winning this basketball game.

I don’t care that their last starting lineup looked similar to the guys playing pickup games at your local YMCA. The Utah Jazz are just much more committed to the tank than the Raptors are at this point.

The Jazz enter this game having lost seven in a row straight up and are 5-23 in their last 28 games overall with key players like Lauri Markkanen, John Collins and Walker Kessler consistently out of the lineup for minor injuries.

For tonight, Collins is already out while Keyonte George is questionable, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Markkanen or Kessler popped on the injury report as tipoff approaches. 

Then there is the effort the Jazz are putting in on defense. Utah currently ranks 29th in defensive rating and 26th in opponent-effective field goal percentage while giving up the third-most points per game at 119.8 per contest.

Now, the Raptors have clearly tried to tank games in recent weeks. Pulling starters out for the entire fourth quarter in close games and playing the injury report shuffle with their best players. But it hasn’t worked.

There is just too much fun energy with this group. Guys are giving it their all and with the easiest remaining schedule in the NBA, it has resulted in wins. Toronto has won five of its last six games and is 15-12 SU in its last 27 games overall.

Tonight it’s Jakob Poeltl’s turn for rest and he’ll be joined by Ja’Kobe Walter, Gradey Dick, and Ochai Agbaji on the sidelines, while Scottie Barnes is listed as questionable.

Now, Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett are both expected back after both missing the last game. But don’t expect big minutes from either as both have played under 30 minutes per game recently. 

But whatever action they do get from these two will be enough to build a lead against the Jazz, and even if the Raptors try to give the game away with some questionable lineups late, it won’t be enough against a Utah team more committed to the tank.

The Raptors are 2.5-point road underdogs here. But I don't see that. I think the wrong team is favored here. Give me the Raps on the moneyline.

Raptors vs Jazz same-game parlay

Raptors Moneyline

RJ Barrett Over 5.5 Rebounds

Walker Kessler Over 12.5 Rebounds

+400 at PointsBet Canada

These same-game parlays can get tricky when you’re not sure who is going to play and for how long. However, it sounds like RJ Barrett will at least start this game and that should mean close to 30 minutes on the floor.

That should be more than enough time to go Over 5.5 rebounds. Barrett averages 6.5 rebounds per game this season and he has hauled down six or more boards six times over the last eight games. 

The Jazz are a solid rebounding team but are a Top 10 team in field goal attempts while ranking 20th in effective field goal percentage, since the All-Star break resulting in them ranking 21st in opponent rebounds per game during that period.

I’m betting Barrett can top this number even if he doesn’t see the floor in the fourth quarter. But he won’t be the only one with a big night on the boards.

If Walker Kessler suits up for the Jazz tonight, I expect him to clean the glass like his name is Windex. He averages 12.3 rebounds per game this season and destroyed the Raps on the boards the last time they met back on March 7, hauling down an eye-popping 25 rebounds.

Kessler has gone Over 12.5 rebounds in five of his last seven games, and with no Jakob Poeltl for the Raptors tonight, he shouldn’t face much resistance in the paint.

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

Raptors vs Jazz score prediction

Score prediction: Raptors 117, Jazz 114

The Raptors won the March 7 meeting between these two teams by a score of 118-109 and are averaging 118 points per game over their last four games. We'll ding them just a bit because they are playing on the road. 

Raptors vs Jazz odds

Raptors vs Jazz live odds

Raptors vs Jazz opening odds

• Spread: Toronto +1 | Utah -1
• Moneyline: Toronto -105 | Utah -115
• Over/Under: Over 231.5 | Under 231.5

Odds courtesy of PointsBet Canada

Raptors vs Jazz spread and Over/Under analysis

• The Raptors opened this matchup as 1-point road dogs and early bettors have faded them, moving the spread to Jazz -2 as of early Friday afternoon.
• The line is a little surprising considering that the Raptors have been a solid bet all season long at 39-26-1 ATS and the fact the Jazz have lost seven in a row. That said, Utah is on a bit of an ATS run covering the spread in 10 of their last 14 games, but never as a favorite.
• The total hit the board at 213.5 and has been up to 234.5. That is 5 points higher than the closing total on March 7. That game landed at 227.
• I would look at the Under or avoid the total altogether. We are seeing that adjustment because a few more key guys like Scottie Barnes and Lauri Markkanen might play. But big emphasis on might. You never know who will be ruled out as tipoff approaches.

Raptors vs Jazz trend

The Raptors have hit the Moneyline in 15 of their last 27 games for +15.60 Units and a 47% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Jazz.

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