It’s a tank off!
The Toronto Raptors host the Utah Jazz in a matchup of teams jockeying for position… for this summer’s upcoming NBA Draft.
But it appears Utah is more committed to the tank as Toronto is a 6-point home favorite tonight. My Jazz vs. Raptors predictions break down how to navigate this interesting situation to handicap and bring you the best bet.
Find that and more NBA picks for this intriguing matchup set to tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 7, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.
Raptors vs Jazz prediction
My Raptors pick
Ja'Kobe Walter Over 13.5 points (-105 at PointsBet Canada)
My analysis
You may think it’s a little weird to mention the Toronto Raptors in a tank-off at the moment. They are 12-11 in their last 23 games. They traded for Brandon Ingram. And the teams ahead of them in the Eastern Conference are in a tailspin.
But if you look closely at the Raptors there are signs, starting with their latest win against the Orlando Magic.
There is absolutely no doubt that Toronto tried to give that game away. The Raptors led by nine points with about eight minutes left in the game when head coach Darko Rajakovic pulled all his starters and closed the game with rookies and youngsters. The starters never saw the floor again.
The Raptors of course coughed up the lead, and it took a miracle 3-pointer from Ja’Kobe Walter to win the game.
The next hint at the Raptors tank is the latest Ingram injury update. He is limited to individual workouts and will be re-evaluated in two weeks.
And finally, the Raptors injury report heading into tonight’s game against the Utah Jazz is something. RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl, Gradey Dick, and Ochai Ogbaji are already out while Chris Boucher is questionable.
But the Raps have nothing on the Jazz. Utah is just 4-19 in its last 23 games and now has the third-worst record in the NBA. This includes a loss to the Washington Wizards in its latest game, the team it is chasing down for the worst record and best lottery odds.
While injuries seem to have befallen every impact player on the roster. Lauri Markkanen and Jordan Clarkson are already out. While Walker Kessler, John Collins, and Keyonte George are all questionable.
So, what’s an NBA bettor and Raptors fan to do? Well, let’s focus on someone we have a pretty good idea that will be on the court. For me, that’s Walter.
The Raptors rookie is starting to see more minutes again and is coming off a 17-point performance against the Magic. It was impressive to see Walter be so aggressive in that game, getting to the free-throw line eight times, and hitting seven of them.
He’s scored at least 13 points in each of his three starts so it’s no surprise to see his point total at 13.5. But I’m on the Over.
I like Walter to keep being aggressive against one of the worst defenses in the NBA. The Jazz rank 26th in opponent effective field goal percentage and dead last in defensive rating.
Tank or not, Walter will get a run tonight.
Raptors vs Jazz same-game parlay
Ja'Kobe Walter Over 13.5 points
Orlando Robinson Over 9.5 points
Over 229.5
The Raptors just turned Orlando Robinson’s 10-day contract into a standard NBA one. He’s played 23 minutes per game over the last three games and should get more of a run tonight with Jakob Poeltl out.
He should also have plenty of room to work down low with Lauri Markkanen out and Walker Kessler and John Collins both questionable. And this is a Jazz team that already ranked 25th in opponent points in the paint per game. Give me Over 9.5 points for Robinson.
Let’s just take the full game total Over 229.5 while we’re at it. As noted the Jazz have one of the worst defenses in the NBA and are just coming off a game where they allowed 125 to the Wizards. They’ve allowed 125 or more points in three straight games.
The Raptors' defense has been improved, but those numbers can go out the window if they are committed to giving young guys more minutes. With both teams in the top half of the NBA in terms of pace, it’s easy to see this game going Over.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Raptors vs Jazz score prediction
Score prediction: Raptors 118, Jazz 115
The Raptors are the better team, even with the tank-adjusted rosters. Expect them to get out to an early lead but the Jazz will be scrappy and allow the Raps a chance to give another one away. It will be too little, but enough to keep it within the number.
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Raptors vs Jazz odds
Raptors vs Jazz live odds
Raptors vs Jazz opening odds
- Spread: Toronto -5.5 | Utah +5.5
- Moneyline: Toronto -190 | Utah +160
- Over/Under: Over 229 | Under 229
Odds courtesy of PointsBet Canada
Raptors vs Jazz spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Raptors opened this matchup as 5.5-point home favorites and have been bumped up to 6.5 at some sportsbooks.
- You have to avoid Raptors spreads for the time being. Particularly when they are favored. Watching them keep the starters on the bench in a close game, makes it nearly impossible to determine how they play down the stretch.
- The total hasn't seen much action since hitting the board at 229.
- The Jazz's commitment to the tank has meant they are cashing Overs at a very high rate. The Over is 12-4 in their last 16 games including the last four in a row.
Raptors vs Jazz trend
The Jazz have hit the Game Total Over in 30 of their last 42 games for +16.80 Units and a 36% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Jazz.
How to watch Raptors vs Jazz
| Location | Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Canada |
| Date | Friday, 3-7-2025 |
| Tip-off | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | Sportsnet |
Raptors vs Jazz latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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