TOR Raptors – UTA Jazz

Toronto Raptors will host the Utah Jazz in a game between two fine teams of the NBA, with Toronto rated as a 5,5 point spread favorite by the bookmakers.

Toronto (23-11, 11-5 home) is having another good season and looks on track to reach the Eastern Conference finals for a second year in the row – even though they will probably lose to Cleveland again. However, the Raptors have been a bit shaky recently, when a difficult 6 game road trip saw them lost 3 out of the previous 4 games. They`ll be happy to return at home though and will be confident after beating the Utah Jazz a few weeks ago in Utah, at the start of this recent road trip.

Utah (22-14, 10-7 away) has an excellent shot to reach the playoffs this season for the first time in years. Their young roster is improving and the Jazz are putting in the effort in each game, so that allowed them to reach the 5th spot in the Western Conference. The Jazz had a good run of 4 consecutive wins before falling 94-105 at Boston two days ago. This will be the 3rd game in 4 nights for Utah.

Toronto played one of their worst matches of the season in their last outing two days ago, scoring just 82 points against San Antonio, which won 110-82. The Raptors were clearly tired after a long road trip and they met a brilliant team, but the loss was still bad. Now, Toronto should bounce back, as this team is too good to perform this badly 2 times in a row and returning at home will surely help a lot. Look for DeRozan and Lowry puttting up big numbers.

Jazz will have to travel to Canada to play their 3rd match in 4 nights, so I believe they might be a little tired, which should work in Toronto’s favor (which also played a lot recently, but is now at home). I also think the Jazz are a bit overrated ahead of this match after 4 wins in their last 5 games. Fact is that they beat 4 of the worst 6 teams in the NBA in that stretch. They were humbled by Boston two days ago, just like they were humbled by Toronto in Utah a few weeks ago.

Toronto will probably miss Patterson, their starter at Power Forward, but he is not such an important piece in the team. I believe the Raptors will be fine and will return to winning ways at home against a good, but inferior Utah team – which might be a little fatigued as well.

Odds are dropping on the Raptors. My tip is Toronto to cover the 5 point handicap. Prediction: Toronto Raptors – Utah Jazz 105 – 95.

Pick: Raptors -5
Odds: 1.85 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 7
Possible profit: 5.95
Event date: 5 January