Portland @ Utah
Portland +5 -110 over Utah

Posted at 1:45 PM EST. Odds subject to change.

Pinnacle +5 -110  BET365 +5 -110 Sportsinteraction +5 -110 888Sport  +5 -110

Portland +5 -110 over Utah

9:10 PM EST. The Jazz season has had its ups and downs, much like the mountain ranges that provide Salt Lake City's backdrop. Currently, the Jazz are on a high note, having won four out of their last five games, including victories against the Celtics and Kings. They are currently in 10th place in the West, which is the last spot for the NBA's Play-In Tournament. On the other hand, with just 11 games go and three teams to leapfrog over, the Trail Blazers are four games behind Utah in the Western Conference with the Lakers and Pelicans ahead of them. It is highly unlikely that Portland will make it to the playoffs, so they can focus on a new role, one that is to be relished. That is the role of spoiler.

After six straight losses against some strong clubs, including the Clippers, Celtics (twice), Knicks, Pelicans, and 76ers, Portland takes a step down in competition here. Also, they are playing with house money. There is no pressure now. The perception in the market is that Portland will roll over because it has “nothing” to play for while the Jazz have “everything” to play for because they are still in the hunt. While Portland is certainly up against it, they are not mathematically eliminated. Furthermore, despitre being up against it, they would love nothing more than to take the Jazz down with them. Misery loves company while these scenarios almost always provide inflated points.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Our Pick

Portland +5 -110 (Risking 2.20 units - To Win: 2.00)

Atlanta +17½ +102 over Boston