Utah vs Oklahoma Prediction: the Chances are Equal

Prediction for the NBA Utah Jazz vs Oklahoma City Thunder match will take place on February 24th. In the Western Conference, the Thunder and Jazz are ranked 10th and 11th, respectively, so their head-to-head encounter is significant in the playoff battle. The odds of a Utah win have risen considerably, and the chances are now roughly even. Whose side will the scales tip in? Who will turn out to be stronger? Check the team conditions! Several betting options are available.

Before the season, few expected Utah to contend for a playoff spot and Lauri Markkanen to be in the starting five for the All-Star Game. However, the team has already fallen out of the West's top 10, and the Jazz's prospects could be better. Mike Conley left the club, and now Utah performs without their star playmaker. The youngsters started getting more playing time, especially newcomers Ochai Agbaji and Walker Kessler. Collin Sexton would finally get 30 minutes in the rotation, but he is now in the infirmary. Talen Horton-Tucker has stepped up at the point guard position. With a playmaker like that, it won't be easy to count on success.

Horton-Tucker added seven rebounds and seven assists to his 15 points in the last game against Memphis, but Utah lost anyway - 111-117. During the game, Will Hardy's team trailed by 24 points without taking the lead. The main reason was the absence of Lauri Markkanen, although he was replaced by capable Kelly Olynyk, who scored 28 points. The loss to the Grizzlies was the Jazz's 5th in their last seven meetings, and the team had failed the previous three home games.

The Thunder also unexpectedly climbed into 10th place in the Western Conference and now have a chance to clinch a spot in the playoffs. Oklahoma's success is astounding, considering the big problems with the frontcourt. The club has struggled for a long time to solve the problem with their starting center. Jailyn Williams lacks experience, and Mike Muscala left for Boston, so Dario Saric and recovered Jeremiah Robinson-Earl came in handy. The back line has been very effective over the last month, with Jaylen Williams, Josh Giddey, Luguentz Dort, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hitting at least 50% of their shots.

Oklahoma went into halftime in high spirits, winning three games in 4 games. Mark Daigneault's team defeated Portland, the Lakers, and Houston, losing only to New Orleans. The last meeting with the Rockets was remembered only by the Thunder's complete dominance, 133-96. Shy, Giddey, Dort, and Williams made the score, and Dario Saric, who gained 12 points, is worth mentioning.

The Jazz remains motivated thanks to the coach's efforts largely. Regardless of their roster, Utah combines well and looks good on offense, although their scoring average has declined. Without a playmaker, the home team will have a more challenging time moving the ball than they did in the past, and they have begun to slump on defense as well. Oklahoma went into the break in great shape and can do a lot on offense.