Will the Utah Jazz tune out the Timberwolves?

Can you bet on the Utah Jazz to deliver again on Thursday in the NBA?

Utah Jazz @ Minnesota Timberwolves (2am GMT)

With 116.8 points per 100 possessions, the Utah Jazz are assuredly heading into Christmas with the NBA’s highest offensive rating.

And with a 21-9 record, they have been a stellar bet for much of this campaign, particularly against the Western Conference where they hold an 11-3 record and are second favourites at 5.0 to emerge to June’s NBA Finals.

Averaged 121.7 points over their previous 10 games, it is no wonder Utah is 1.14 to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday after routing the same opponent 136-104 earlier this month.

The Wolves, under former British Basketball League and Great Britain coach Chris Finch, are not a terrible defensive team. But they are inconsistent, especially when they fall behind early – with a 4-12 mark when they trail at the half but a decent 14-3 when taking a lead into the fourth quarter.

With Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards as twin totems, Minnesota should be better with the 10th-toughest strength of schedule a poor excuse.

But they’re also one of several teams thumped by Covid positives or absentees which will hamper their chances of silencing a Jazz side who have won nine out of their last 11 and are in the midst of a very favourable stretch of games.

Bet: Lay against 225.5 total points in Minnesota-Utah at 2.1.

San Antonio Spurs @ Los Angeles Lakers (3.30am GMT)

Minus Anthony Davis, the Lakers will bid to end a three-game skid when the Spurs come to town.

The slump, that’s seen his team concede an average of 111 points, has illustrated just what Davis quietly brings: an ability to cover the defensive mistakes and slides elsewhere that have the 2020 champions back at .500 in the standings.

It’s not helped that the Lakers have used 17 different starting line-ups and have found Russell Westbrook an awkward fit.

That’s a contrast from San Antonio whose young core – led by Dejounte Murray, Derrick White and Keldon Johnson have been quietly impressive. The Spurs are only one superstar signing from return to the NBA elite and their cohesion will offer a particular more challenge to a Lakers crew who are again shuffling the pieces to deliver a Plan B.

Tip: Look under 223.5 total points in Spurs – Lakers at 1.97.

New Orleans Pelicans @ Orlando Magic (12am)

Two bad teams, two decimated rosters, it figures to be less than Happy New Year for Orlando and New Orleans.

Little was expected in Orlando this season but with the Magic notching just 101.4 points per contest (28^th overall) in Jamahl Mosley’s rookie term as head coach, it has given them a league-worst differential of -9.5.

With Zion Williamson’s absence due to last at least another a month, questions remain over whether the young Pelicans tyro will sit out the entire season with a foot injury.

But with three consecutive wins – including an OT loss handed to depleted Milwaukee - the tanking talk has been put on ice in New Orleans with Brandon Ingram leading a revival. 

Tip: Back New Orleans over Orlando on a spread of -5.5 at 1.96.

Recommended Bets:

Lay against 225.5 total points in Minnesota-Utah at 2.1.

Look under 223.5 total points in Spurs – Lakers at 1.97.

Back New Orleans over Orlando on a spread of -5.5 at 1.96.