Utah Jazz vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 18/03/2024, 06:28  by Kennedy Kechula | Modified on 18/03/2024 at 13:00 in NBA Prediction

The Utah Jazz are back home again against the Minnesota Timberwolves for the final match of a back-to-back between the two. They arrive for the game in 12th place in the Western Conference standings while the Timberwolves are third. The Jazz will be eager to avoid a sweep in this regular season series. They have already lost the first three matchups with the recent game ending 119-100. Seeking to get right back in the running for a playoff spot is also extra motivation for Will Hardy’s men. The Jazz have lost 12 times in their last 15 outings and have fallen 6.5 games from the play-in places. Before hosting the Timberwolves for the first game, they had defeated the Hawks at home to end a three-game skid. Jordan Clarkson, Lauri Markkanen, and John Collins were unavailable last time out due to injuries. Clarkson remains sidelined and will not be involved while Markkanen, who has missed the last six games, is questionable. Collins should however play as he isn’t listed in the latest injury report. The Jazz have averaged 110.3 points over their last three matches.

The Timberwolves have struggled in March and this has led them to losing their hold on top spot in the West. Chris Finch’s men have lost half of their eight games thus far this month and are yet to win three in a row. Injuries have played a big part in this with Karl-Anthony Towns going down indefinitely two weeks ago. KAT is the team’s second-best scorer, averaging 22.1 points a night. But as they have dominated this matchup with Utah this season, they will be confident of another crucial victory here. Minnesota, who have compiled a 46-21 record, are now one game off the pace in the West. Anthony Edwards recorded a 31-point double-double in the first game with the Jazz and should be the main player once again. Former Jazz, Mike Conley put up a season-high 25 points. It was the second successive game that the veteran guard had managed 20 points. Rudy Gobert missed the last match and is questionable for this fixture. The T-Wolves have averaged 115.3 points over their last three matches.