Boston vs Utah NBA Picks
Boston has not been playing well lately and comes into Utah looking to break a 4 game losing streak. [ad-4468020]
Boston Celtics (19-38) vs. Utah Jazz (19-36)
Monday February 24
Energy Solutions Arena – Salt Lake City, UT
9:00PM
Moneyline: No moneyline currently listed
Spread: Utah -3
O/U: 189
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ATS Matchup Insight | CP Insider Gambling Preview
Boston
The sight of the Jazz may be just what the team needs though considering it has beaten Utah 6 straight, including their only game against them this season. These are two struggling teams who will be in the lottery.
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Though it appears neither has completely thrown in the towel both have little to work with.
The Cs top player, PG Rajon Rondo, has missed most of the season but even when he has been on the floor Boston has still been losing lots – they have only won a third of their games with him in the lineup. While he was out other young players like G Avery Bradley stepped forward but this team is missing that one elite player/scorer that could make the rest of them fall into place.
They are hopeful to get that in the next draft.
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Seeing Utah installed as a favourite makes you want to fade them but this is Boston coming to town.
On the road they have been 16-13 ATS this season, including 1-2 on this current trip. I like this team better than I do Utah but I am not super excited about backing them Monday night. Maybe the number goes up a little.
Utah
Utah’s recent form is no better than the Celtics, they have lost 3 in a row and 7 of 10.
Their one saving grace was a quality effort in a loss against Portland on the road. Like Boston this is a very young team that is hoping to grow as a unit. Even though their records are the same I would rate the Celtics as being further along in their development. Like Boston they are also hoping to get a prize in the upcoming spring draft.
It was hard not to like Gordon Hayward as a member of those scrappy Butler teams but as an NBA player he is pretty mediocre. Sure he leads the Jazz in scoring but his shooting percentage is under 40% and it is not because he is forced to bail them out time and again – he just takes bad shots.
The one thing the Jazz have going for them is that they have a plethora of scoring options, an amazing 7 players average more than 10ppg.
Utah has only been a favourite 8 times all season. Their record in those contests is 6-2 SU and 3-5 ATS, pretty telling numbers.
They are at home but they cover there less than half the time and since we are talking numbers the Jazz are -6 ATS against the Atlantic Division. Is there something in the water? I just don’t like it.
Spread Pick: Boston +3
O/U Pick: Under
Score Prediction: Boston 87 – Utah 81
