The Phoenix Suns host the Utah Jazz on Friday night in a Western Conference matchup. The game will take place at Footprint Center in Phoenix. The Suns are 25-25, while the Jazz have struggled with a 12-37 record.
Phoenix has won all three meetings against Utah this season and has taken the last nine matchups overall. The Suns are trying to bounce back after losing four of their last five games. Utah, meanwhile, pulled off a big comeback win against the Warriors in their last outing.
Suns Preview – Can Phoenix Get Back on Track?
The Suns have had a tough stretch, losing three straight before the trade deadline. They are dealing with injuries, including Kevin Durant, who missed their last game with an ankle issue. Phoenix is just 1-10 this season when Durant does not play.
Bradley Beal was also in trade rumors but stayed with the team. The Suns made one trade, sending Jusuf Nurkic to Charlotte in exchange for Cody Martin and Vasilije Micic. The team hopes the moves help them turn things around in the second half of the season.
Devin Booker leads the Suns with his scoring ability, but the team has struggled with consistency. They are 15-9 at home but have not looked dominant in recent weeks. Phoenix ranks 18th in the league in points per game and needs to find its offensive rhythm.
Jazz Preview – Can Utah Keep Up the Momentum?
The Jazz have been struggling, winning just three of their last 15 games. However, they pulled off a comeback win against Golden State on Wednesday. Utah trailed by 11 points late before closing the game on a 20-6 run.
Jordan Clarkson scored a season-high 31 points in the win but will miss this game due to a foot injury. Lauri Markkanen, the team’s best player, has been dealing with back soreness and is questionable. Keyonte George and Isaiah Collier stepped up against the Warriors and will need to do so again in Phoenix.
Utah ranks 18th in the league in scoring but has struggled defensively. The Jazz allow 114.4 points per game, which ranks 20th in the NBA. They will need to tighten up on defense to have a chance against the Suns.
Betting Prediction
The Suns are favored by 8.5 points at home. They are 3-0 against Utah this season and have won the last nine meetings. The Jazz are missing key players, including Clarkson, and could struggle to score.
Phoenix has had its issues, but this matchup favors them. The total is set at 233.5, and Utah has hit the over in many recent road games. The Suns should win, but covering the spread may be tough with Durant’s status uncertain.
Pick: Utah Jazz +8.5 on the road as they keep this close. This should be a fun game, with the underdog covering. Enjoy the game!
