Heading into this game, the Houston Rockets (10-27) will go up against the Utah Utes (19-21) in Houston on Thursday, January 5 at Toyota Center. Moving through the middle part of the season, each of these teams will of course be hoping for a win to improve their position in the standings. Tipoff is at 7:00 PM CT, but you’re going to want to get your bets in now!
For context related to Thursday’s mid-season showdown, how have the Rockets and the Utes stacked up against each other in the past?
So far this season, these teams have played against each other in two matchups and the Rockets have earned a win once against the Jazz. In their previous meeting on October 26, 2022, the score was 109-101 in favor of the Jazz. In that game, the Rockets had a 38.3% field goal percentage and a 27.5% three pointer percentage, whereas the Utes had a 42.22% field goal percentage and shot 28.89% from the perimenter. Elsewhere on the stat sheet, Houston grabbed 49 rebounds and 19 assists while Utah had 53 boards and 28 assists.
Betting Preview for the Utah Utes vs Houston Rockets NBA Game on January 5 2023
Where: Toyota Center in Houston, Texas
When: Thursday, January 5, 2023
Betting on the Utah Utes
Record: 19-21 | Northwest Division Standing: 3
The Utah Utes have dropped five in a row and are presently in 10th place in the conference. In their most recent game they beat the Portland Pilots, 100-120, thanks to the solid performances of star players Rudy Gobert and Joe Ingles. To that point, Gobert accounted for 20 points (80.0 FG%) and 17 rebounds and Joe Ingles had 14 points (50.0 FG%). Check out our analysis below to learn how this performance has influenced their odds for the upcoming game against Houston on Thursday.
Absences and Injuries
The Utes have zero injured players ruled out.
Betting on the Houston Rockets
Record: 10-27 | Southwest Division Standing: 5
The Houston Rockets lost to the Portland Pilots in their most recent game on Saturday, 128-126, in spite of the fact that James Harden and Christian Wood put up a solid number of points. Harden was responsible for 44 points (57.14 FG%, six 3-pointers) and 17 assists, whereas Christian Wood added 31 points (63.64 FG%) and 13 rebounds. The Rockets are in the last position in their conference currently. Make sure you read our evaluation of the odds for Thursday’s matchup further down and consider how the squad’s recent performance could influence their meeting versus Utah.
Absences and Injuries
In terms of injuries, the Rockets are lacking Jae’Sean Tate (Ankle).
Jazz vs Rockets | Moneyline, Over/Under and Point Spread Odds
Moneyline Pick: Houston Rockets (+200) at DraftKings
The Utah Utes are considered the favorite per oddsmakers. The squad has a winning percentage of 30% in the last 10 games (a record of three wins and seven losses) while the Houston Rockets have gotten 10% in the last 10 games (one win and nine losses).
Over/Under Pick: Over 232.5 Total Points (-110) at BetMGM
It is predicted that the total score for the game will be over 232.5.
The Houston Rockets have recorded 106.7 points per game over their last 10 games. On the other hand, the Utah Utes have logged an average of 116.6 points per game in the 10 games since December 16.
Spread Pick: Houston Rockets +6 Points (-110) at DraftKings
The Houston Rockets will need to lose by less than the amount of the spread or win outright in order to cover.
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