The Utah Jazz will hit a milestone in their upcoming contest with the Denver Nuggets, but it isn’t one to celebrate. Joe Ingles will be the first Jazzman to enter the NBA’s health and safety protocols in the 2021-22 season. Fans of the Jazz (27-10) may want to save their complaints if they’re talking to Nuggets (18-17) followers. The Nugs enter this contest with reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, but they’re woefully shorthanded otherwise. They’ve been without star point guard Jamal Murray for the entire season, and dynamic forward Michael Porter Jr. for most of it.
A starting backcourt of Facu Campazzo and Austin Rivers, respectfully, shouldn’t strike fear in the hearts of Jazz fans. On the other hand, Nikola Jokic’s generational combination of size and passing ability might. He ensures that the Nuggets are always competitive, but they’ll still struggle against an elite Utah Jazz squad.
Utah Jazz vs Denver Nuggets Odds Tonight
According to WynnBet, the Jazz are 3 point favorites to walk away from this game with a win, and a -160 point favorite on the money line. The Nuggets are a +130 money line underdog.
The over/under is presently at 223.0 points.
Utah Jazz Starting Lineup
The Jazz may be missing a key reserve in Joe Ingles, but there won’t be any changes to their starting lineup. Quin Snyder will deploy his usual group of Mike Conley, Donovan Mitchell, Bojan Bogdanovic, Royle O’Neale and Rudy Gobert in this contest.
Utah Jazz Injury Report
Outside of Ingles, Eric Paschall remains out for personal reasons. Meanwhile, Hassan Whiteside is listed as day-to-day in concussion protocol.
Utah Jazz vs Denver Nuggets Prediction
General NBA fans will wish this matchup represented the clash of titans that it has the potential to. Nikola Jokic vs Rudy Gobert is the ultimate offense vs defense competition. Furthermore, the star Nuggets big man is supposed to be surrounded by one of the league’s most talented supporting casts.
Unfortunately, that won’t be the case without Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr in the lineup. Accordingly, the Jazz should be heavily favored in this matchup. Jokic has been keeping the Nuggets afloat this season, but with so little support, it will be challenging for him to carry his Nuggets past a group as talented as the Jazz.
Prediction: Jazz 120, Nuggets 111
Utah Jazz vs Denver Nuggets TV Channel
Fans in Denver can watch this contest on Altitude Sports, while Jazz fans in Utah should tune into AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain
Utah Jazz Schedule and Next Game
The Jazz enjoy a day’s rest before embarking on an Eastern Conference road trip. They’ll play the Toronto Raptors on January 7, and the Indiana Pacers the following night.
After that matchup, they square off with the Detroit Pistons on January 10. They return home to host the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 12.