Fans of the Utah Jazz should pray, knock on wood, cross their fingers, or just do whatever they prefer to conjure good fortune. Rudy Gobert’s availability is in question for tonight’s contest with the Golden State Warriors. In all likelihood, they’ll need him in order to emerge victorious.
After all, these Warriors (33-13) are one of the best teams in the NBA. Of course, so are the Jazz (30-16). Both teams have had some struggles as of late. The Jazz finally snapped a four game losing streak after defeating the Detroit Pistons. Meanwhile, the Warriors have not looked the same in Draymond Green’s absence.
They struggled to overcome a rebuilding Houston Rockets team on Friday evening, eventually emerging after a Curry buzzer beater. On the other hand, if we’re using the ability to beat the Rockets as a proxy, the Jazz are in trouble. They recently dropped a contest to them.
Like we said: do what you can to manifest Rudy Gobert’s good health for this game.
Utah Jazz vs Golden State Warriors Odds Tonight
According to WynnBet, the Warriors are 5 point favorites to win tonight’s game, and -200 point favorites on the money line. The Jazz are +165 point favorites.
The over/under is presently set at 221.0 points.
Utah Jazz Starting Lineup
We know that Donovan Mitchell won’t be available, and we can’t be certain whether we should expect Rudy Gobert or not. He played through his ankle injury in Utah’s last game, so we’re predicting a starting lineup of Mike Conley, Joe Ingles, Bojan Bogdanovic, Royce O’Neale and Rudy Gobert.
Utah Jazz Injury Report
As mentioned, Mitchell will remain seated in the league’s concussion protocols. Gobert (ankle) is questionable and actually, so is Bojan Bogdanovic. Hassan Whiteside (conditioning) is expected to be on the sidelines, as is Trent Forrest.
Utah Jazz vs Golden State Warriors Prediction
Remember when we mentioned using each team’s recent contests with the Houston Rockets as a proxy for making tonight’s prediction? That’s basically our methodology for predicting this game.
Neither of these teams are exactly where they’d like to be. They’ve both struggled in the absence of key players as well. Still, it’s worth noting that while the Warriors struggled to overcome the lottery-bound Rockets, the Jazz outright lost to them. With Rudy Gobert, no less.
WynnBet’s odds are probably worth paying heed to for this game. If Gobert is available, it’s anyone’s contest (although we’d still pick the Warriors).
If he isn’t, it’s hard to imagine the Jazz walking away with a victory.
Prediction: Warriors 121, Jazz 116
Utah Jazz vs Golden State Warriors TV Channel
Fans in California can catch this game on NBC Sports Bay Area, while fans in Utah should tune into AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain.
Utah Jazz Schedule and Next Game
There won’t be much time for the Jazzmen to rest, as they play the league-best Phoenix Suns tomorrow night. Then, it’s a rematch with the Suns on January 26.
Following that game, they square off with the Memphis Grizzlies on January 28. They play the Timberwolves on the 30th, the Nuggets on February 2nd, and the Brooklyn Nets on February 4th.