Jazz vs. Hawks NBA expert prediction and odds for Tuesday, Feb. 27 (Utah gets it done on the road)

Atlanta, currently holding a three-game lead for the final spot in the Play-In Tournament, suffered a hit to its playoff hopes when it was announced Monday that three-time All-Star guard Trae Young needed hand surgery and would miss four weeks. 

Young’s torn finger ligament comes at a bad time for Atlanta, which had won six of 10 games ahead of the All-Star break but is now a longshot (+600) to miss the playoffs. 

Atlanta, coming off a 17-point win over Orlando on Sunday, stays at State Farm Arena on Tuesday to host the struggling Utah Jazz before a three-game road trip. 

Utah is one of the best teams in the NBA at home this season, but unfathomably lost four consecutive home games before bouncing back with a 128-109 win over the Spurs on Sunday. Now the Jazz hit the road for a three-game cross conference road trip and are short underdogs against the Hawks on Tuesday. 

Here’s the betting preview for the matchup with a best bet. 

If you’re looking to bet on any NBA game this week, FanDuel Sportsbook has an amazing promotional offer. New users who sign up with the link below and wager $5 will receive $150 in bonus bets if their first bet wins.

Sign up for FanDuel now!

Jazz vs. Hawks  odds, spread and total

Jazz vs. Hawks  how to watch

• Date: Tuesday, Feb. 27
• Game time: 7:30 p.m. EST
• Venue: State Farm Arena
• How to watch (TV): Bally Sports
• Jazz record: 27-31
• Hawks  record: 25-32

Jazz vs. Hawks  injury report

Utah Jazz

• Otto Porter Jr. (not with team): out

Atlanta Hawks

• Trae Young (finger): out
• Onyeka Okongwu (toe): out

Jazz vs. Hawks  key players to watch

Jazz

Lauri Markkanen: The league’s Most Improved Player last season has played with a chip on his shoulder in two games since being snubbed for the NBA All-Star game. In those contests, the Arizona product has combined for 47 points on 15-of-32 shooting, 16 rebounds and 10 assists. Markkanen is averaging 23.4 points and 8.5 rebounds per game this season. 

Hawks

Dejounte Murray: The former first-round pick was part of a dynamic backcourt tandem with Young, but will now have to carry the load offensively. The Washington product has been an all-around stat-stuffer for the Hawks this season, averaging 21.6 points (career-high), 5.3 rebounds and 5.5 assists per night. 

Jazz vs. Hawks  prediction and pick

Atlanta is 3-3 straight up and ATS without Young this season after beating the Magic on Sunday, 109-92. The loss of one of the best scorers in the league obviously hurts the Hawks the most on offense, as they’ve averaged 112.8 points per game without him.

The real problem for Atlanta in this matchup is the Hawks’ lackluster defense against one of the league’s top offenses. Utah, No. 9 in the NBA in scoring, has a great advantage on the glass in this contest. The Jazz are the No. 3 offensive rebounding team in the NBA while Atlanta ranks 25th in the league in second-chance points allowed and 24th overall in rebounding. 

Atlanta’s defense also ranks 29th in opposing field goal percentage (50%) and scoring, giving up 124.5 points per game at home. Speaking of playing at home, Atlanta has been brutal to backers inside State Farm Arena this season, going just 9-21 ATS at home (worst in the NBA), covering just seven times in 22 attempts as a home favorite. Back the Jazz. 

Game odds update periodically and are subject to change.