Utah Jazz vs Cleveland Cavaliers odds, starters, injury reports, predictions
The days have been dark for the Utah Jazz lately. The Cleveland Cavaliers are unlikely to be a light at the end of an unfortunately long tunnel. The Cavs (23-16) have been one of the NBA’s most pleasant surprises throughout 2021-22. They field an unorthodox jumbo lineup featuring Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley and Lauri Markkanen.
That formation may run contrary to league-wide trends, but coupled with the exceptional play of third year floor general Darius Garland, it’s been paying dividends.
With so much length in this Cavs frontcourt, it’s fair to say that the Jazz (28-13) could probably use Rudy Gobert. They won’t have him. Instead, they’ll need Hassan Whiteside to replicate a larger portion of his impact than he was able to in their last contest against the Detroit Pistons.
That is, to say the least, a tall order.
Utah Jazz vs Cleveland Cavaliers Odds Tonight
According to WynnBet, the Jazz are 6 point favorites to come away with a victory tonight, and -260 point favorites on the money line. The Cavaliers are +210 money line underdogs.
The over/under is presently at 223.0 points.
Utah Jazz Starting Lineup
The Jazz will be without arguably their most important player in Rudy Gobert, but every other starter will be available. Look for Quin Snyder to deploy his usual lineup of Mike Conley, Donovan Mitchell, Bojan Bogdanovic, Royce O’Neale and Hassan Whiteside.
Utah Jazz Injury Report
Outside of Gobert (shoulder), the Jazz will be without Joe Ingles (conditioning), Jared Butler (protocols), Malik Fitts and Udoka Azubuike in this contest.
Utah Jazz vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction
Sorry, Utah Jazz fans. We cannot in good conscience predict a win for this team tonight.
The Jazz have struggled in Gobert’s absence, and this Cavs team is tailor made to exploit that. They effectively start three centers, and it works. Lauri Markkanen is a more-than-adequate floor spacer, and Evan Mobley is a versatile defender. The sheer size the Cavs are able to deploy on a nightly basis figures to overwhelm a Jazz team without their star center.
Look for the Jazz to drop their fourth consecutive contest tonight. Brighter days will be ahead when Gobert and Ingles return and this Jazz squad is back to full strength.
Prediction: Cavaliers 114, Jazz 106.
Utah Jazz vs Cleveland Cavaliers TV Channel
Fans in Cleveland can check out Bally Sports Ohio for this contest. Meanwhile, fans in Utah should look to AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain
Utah Jazz Schedule and Next Game
The Utah Jazz may need a break more than any team in the NBA. Luckily, they’re getting one. They don’t suit up again until January 16 against the Denver Nuggets
Next. Ranking every season in Jazz history. dark
After that, they’ll play the Los Angeles Lakers on the 18th. They’ll host the struggling Houston Rockets on the tail end of a back-to-back after that. Following that contest, they’ll host the Detroit Pistons on January 21 before travelling to the Bay Area for a highly anticipated rematch with the Golden State Warriors.