In search of their first win of the 2022-23 regular season, the young Houston Rockets could have their best opportunity yet when another probable rebuilding team — the Utah Jazz — visits Toyota Center on Monday night for the second game of a road back-to-back.
If you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research for the Rockets-Jazz clash, you’re in luck! We’ll give you the latest point spread, money line odds and over/under number, as well as the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet at BetMGM.
The game starts at 7:00 p.m. Central and can be seen via AT&T SportsNet Southwest (in Houston markets) or on NBA League Pass.
The Jazz aren’t the contender they were prior to trading Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert last offseason, but they have enough veterans to pose a threat to Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., and the rest of a young Houston group. Between Mike Conley, Jordan Clarkson, Lauri Markkanen, and Kelly Olynyk, Utah has ample experience in its expected starting lineup — though it’s possible that new head coach Will Hardy might rest someone, given the road back-to-back.
If he doesn’t, the Jazz enter with considerable momentum, having bucked the odds as part of a 3-0 start that has featured impressive wins over Denver, Minnesota, and New Orleans one day earlier.
The lines, courtesy of BetMGM
- Point spread: Jazz -1.5
- Money line: Jazz -125 / Rockets +105
- Over-under: 231.5
Click here to place your bets at BetMGM.
Jazz at Rockets injury report:
- Rockets: Jae’Sean Tate out (left ankle soreness), TyTy Washington out (left knee sprain), Bruno Fernando out (left knee soreness)
- Jazz: Udoka Azubuike out (right ankle surgery)
Advice and prediction
Houston started 1-16 last season, and head coach Stephen Silas has a huge incentive to avoid a similar fate this year, since he’s in the final fully guaranteed season of his contract. After an 0-3 start versus expected playoff teams, Houston will have advantages with home court and rest versus another projected bottom feeder. The Rockets need this game, and expect them to attack it with a sense of urgency. In theory, the Jazz should also be due for a course correction.
Prediction: Rockets 116, Jazz 111
Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.