Sometimes when it rains, it pours, and the Utah Jazz are soaking wet at the moment. Last night, they suffered a defeat against the Toronto Raptors. Absent from that contest was virtually every significant member of the team.
If there was a positive to take away from this game, it was that nobody could make a single statement about the Jazz (28-11) as a group based on it. Tonight’s contest with the Pacers (14-25) doesn’t project to be significantly better. The Pacers have fallen short of expectations this season, and trade rumors circle the team as a result. Regardless, they’ll boast something the Utah Jazz can’t tonight: multiple starters.
Utah Jazz vs Indiana Pacers Odds Tonight
According to WynnBet, the Jazz are 2.5 point favorites to win tonight’s contest, and a -150 point favorite on the money line. the Pacers are a +125 money line underdog.
The over/under is set at 222.5 points.
Utah Jazz Starting Lineup
There is reason to hope that Jordan Clarkson will return to the Utah Jazz for tonight’s game. If he does, look for Quin Snyder to start a lineup of Jared Butler, Clarkson, Elijah Hughes, Eric Paschall and Hassan Whiteside.
Otherwise, Trent Forrest should join Butler in the starting backcourt.
Utah Jazz Injury Report
This section of the article probably ought to come with some kind of advisory. Jordan Clarkson (lower back), Royce O’Neale (right patellar tendonitis) and Rudy Gay (heel) are all listed as questionable. Bojan Bogdanovic (finger), Mike Conley (knee), Rudy Gobert (health and safety), Joe Ingles (health and safety) and Donovan Mitchell (back) are all listed as out.
Utah Jazz vs Indiana Pacers Prediction
It’s surprising to see the Jazz with favorable odds in this contest. Granted, the Pacers are on a six game losing streak, and have generally underperformed this season. Regardless, a glance at the injury report doesn’t inspire much optimism for the Jazzmen.
This isn’t a game where we’ll break down matchups and look for relative advantages to make a prediction. We’re going to assume that the Pacers’ overwhelming availability advantage results in a second consecutive loss for the Utah Jazz
Prediction: Pacers 112, Jazz 104
Utah Jazz vs Indiana Pacers TV Channel
Pacers fans can catch this game on BallySports Midwest, while fans in Utah can turn to AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain.
Utah Jazz Schedule and Next Game
The Jazz take a day off before a contest with the Detroit Pistons on January 10. After that, they’ll host the upstart Cleveland Cavaliers at home on January 12.
After that, they’ll enjoy a much-needed break before a matchup with the Denver Nuggets on January 16. They play the Los Angeles Lakers on January 18, and the Houston Rockets the night after that.