The Utah Jazz host the defending champions tonight as the Milwaukee Bucks come to town. This will be a challenging game for the Jazzmen, particularly if some key players are unavailable.
The Bucks (42-26) have gone a little under the radar this season. They’ve been great, but they haven’t been the powerhouse we’ve grown accustomed to. In all likelihood, that’s championship malaise setting in. This team is pacing itself to make another deep playoff run.
Meanwhile, the Jazz (42-25) have been outright inconsistent this season. They have similar championship aspirations, but without the championship experience. They’ll try to get a taste of what it takes against the Jazz tonight.
If Rudy Gobert isn’t available to defend the paint, it might be a bitter one.
Utah Jazz vs Milwaukee Bucks Odds Tonight
According to WynnBet, the Bucks are 1.5 point favorites to take home a victory tonight, and a -125 point favorite on the money line. The Jazz are a +105 money line underdog.
The over/under is presently at 235.0
Utah Jazz Starting Lineup
Rudy Gobert is listed as questionable for tonight’s game. If he’s unavailable, Quin Snyder should start this contest with Mike Conley, Donovan Mitchell, Royce O’Neale, Bojan Bogdanovic and Hassan Whiteside.
Utah Jazz Injury Report
Other than Gobert, look for every Jazzman to be available in tonight’s action.
Utah Jazz vs Milwaukee Bucks Prediction
Any time a key player is listed as “questionable”, predictions become a fool’s errand. We’ll make them anyway.
Realistically, WynnBet’s odds are solid whether Gobert suits up or not. If he doesn’t, this could get ugly. Giannis Antetokounmpo puts more pressure on the rim than any other player in the NBA. It would help to have the best rim protector in basketball available.
If he is, look for the Jazz to make this one competitive. With a healthy roster, they’ve got a chance against any team in the NBA, including the defending champions.
We’d still pick the Bucks in that case, but only narrowly. On the other hand, if Gobert is on the sidelines, we’re expecting a massacre.
We’ll split the difference in our predicted score.
Prediction: Bucks 115, Jazz 104
Utah Jazz vs Milwaukee Bucks TV Channel
Bucks fans should check out Bally Sports Wisconsin to catch this contest, while Utah Jazz faithful will find it on AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain as usual.
Utah Jazz Schedule and Next Game
The Jazz are up against another elite Eastern Conference opponent in the Chicago Bulls on March 16th.
After that, it’s back West as they face off with the Los Angeles Clippers on the 18th. They’ll play the New York Knicks on the 20th, and the Brooklyn Nets the very next day.