The Utah Jazz have lost four out of their last five, but that doesn’t mean tonight's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder will be a no-contest.
With a strong defense against the 3-pointer and some steady interior scoring, my Thunder vs. Jazz predictions will explain why Utah shouldn’t be overlooked as a big underdog — particularly with its previously injured center making his return to the lineup.
Read more in my NBA picks for Friday, February 21.
Thunder vs Jazz prediction
My best bet
Jazz +15 (-105 at bet365)
My analysis
Despite going just 3-7 over their last 10 games, the Utah Jazz have been in decent form this month. Utah has devastated opponents inside the arc, ranking seventh in shooting accuracy at the rim and in the mid-range, and it’s done so despite several injuries ravaging the roster.
Luckily for the Jazz, Walker Kessler will make his return to shore up this struggling frontcourt defense and maintain this team’s gains on the glass, and Jordan Clarkson is also good to go after missing pockets of time in the last few weeks.
This should make for an interesting game, considering the Oklahoma City Thunder have been the best 3-point shooting team this month while simultaneously struggling near the rim. Utah’s rim defense has certainly been a cause for concern, but it should improve with Kessler back in the fold — and its perimeter defense has ranked in the Top 10 this month when it comes to shutting down the three.
The Thunder certainly looks like a well-oiled machine, but if they're slowed from beyond the arc, this one could end up being much closer than oddsmakers expect. The Jazz have had to face the Clippers, Lakers, and Suns in their last five games, and by the numbers, they appear to have been victimized mostly by a tough schedule.
I'm taking Utah and the points tonight.
Thunder vs Jazz same-game parlay
Jazz +15
Shai Gilgeous Alexander Over 32.5 points
Walker Kessler to record a double-double
Oklahoma City doesn’t like shooting in the mid-range, but given Utah ranks in the bottom 10 of the league this month in defending this zone and has allowed the ninth-most shots on average, somebody’s got to carry the freight here.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been the best option for this team inside the 3-point line, ranking in the top 10% of all guards in mid-range shot frequency. Considering SGA has also taken a fair share of shots at the rim, he should find plenty of space to score.
Meanwhile, Walker Kessler has managed to exceed 10 boards against even the best rebounding teams, and Oklahoma City has allowed a double-double to its opponent’s starting center in back-to-back games.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Thunder vs Jazz odds
Thunder vs Jazz live odds
Thunder vs Jazz opening odds
- Spread: Oklahoma City -15.5 (-110) | Utah +15.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Oklahoma City -1100 | Utah +700
- Over/Under: Over 235.5 (-110 | Under 235.5 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365
Thunder vs Jazz spread and Over/Under analysis
- After this line initially trickled down to -14, it’s since shot back up to its opening figure.
- The Thunder make up 54% of the bets and 59% of the handle wagered on the spread.
- The total made a one-point move towards the Over upon opening, but after moving up another half-point, it came crashing back down to 235.
- The Under has accounted for 58% of tickets and 70% of the money.
Thunder vs Jazz trend
Utah has covered the 1Q spread in 28 of its last 40 games (+15.25 Units / 33% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Thunder vs. Jazz.
How to watch Thunder vs Jazz
| Location | Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah |
| Date | Friday, 2-21-2025 |
| Tip-off | 9:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | FanDuel Sports Network-Oklahoma, KJZZ |
Thunder vs Jazz latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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