NBA: Utah Jazz vs. Milwaukee Bucks Preview, Odds, Prediction

The Utah Jazz lost for the first time last night, but they don’t have too much time to lament on that as they visit the Milwaukee Bucks this Sunday. The Jazz has back-to-back games with the teams from the Central Division of the Eastern Conference, which is a massive test for Quin Snyder’s crew. Meanwhile, the champions didn’t start so convincingly, losing three times in six events. You’ve got to admit, below the expectations. They too played last night, and as their rivals, lost.

Preview

Utah Jazz (4-1, -120) faced fantastic Chicago Bulls in Illinois and lost that meeting, 107-99. This was the first defeat of the campaign for the team from Salt Lake City, and one of rare in which they couldn’t score 100 points. The crucial moments of the event took place in the third period once the Bulls outscored the guests 25-15, pulling away to a safe distance.

Donovan Mitchell had 30 points, but with a lousy shooting percentage, 9-for-27. The Spida made only two threes in 11 shots but hit all 10 of his free throws. Mitchell added seven boards, six assists, having six turnovers as well. Rudy Gobert posted 19 boards with 17 points, Jordan Clarkson had 16 off the bench, and Bojan Bogdanovic 14.

Overall, both teams had low shooting percentages, but Utah had a bit worse, 38% from the field and 28.9% from three-point territory. What was an x-factor in this event were the turnovers, with Utah having 20 and the Bulls nine.

Milwaukee Bucks (3-3, +100) lost at home to San Antonio Spurs this Saturday night, 102-93. It was a shocking defeat, we need to say, because Milwaukee stood as a massive favorite at all the bookies.

Giannis had 28 points and 13 boards, shooting 11-for-18 from the field while also recording seven turnovers. His first sidekick, Khris Middleton, had 19 buckets, with a bit worse shooting percentage, 8-for-21, posting five boards and assists. Grayson Allen had 12 and George Hill 10.

Like Chicago, the Bucks had a very negative turnover ratio, losing the possession on 21 occasions, while stealing only 10 times. The home side was weakened by not having two starters at disposal, Brook Lopez and Jrue Holiday. Their presence on the court is of the utmost importance for the Bucks who showed in the playoffs last season that they can play without Giannis.

Head to Head Games

Jazz won both games last year, mostly due to superb offense that managed to outscore the rivals. The first meeting in Milwaukee ended 131-118 for the guests and the second 129-115. Over the past three years, the record is 4-2 for the team from Salt Lake.

Prediction

The Bucks’ handicap is already mentioned, and that is not having two of its starters available. In our modest opinion, this will open various options for the Jazz and their game, which is why they should win. Giannis won’t be able to do everything alone. After all, the team from Utah already knows how to beat the Bucks, and it appears that they love to play against them. Since the cover is -1, we would suggest going with it, using it to increase the odds.

Pick: Utah -1 -110