Oklahoma City Thunder vs Utah Jazz, NBA 2024-25 Season, Today Match Prediction

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Utah Jazz Basteball Odds

Teams Preview

Oklahoma City Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder are currently 1st in the Northwest division and 1st in the Western Conference. Their record this season is 35-7 after their recent win against the Brooklyn Nets. The Thunder defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 118-102, in the last game of their road trip. The Thunder shot 70% (14 of 20) from the floor in the first quarter and never trailed the game. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points in three quarters as the Oklahoma City Thunder rolled past the Cleveland Cavaliers 134-114 in a matchup of teams with the best records in the NBA. Oklahoma City shot 60.3% in the first three quarters and matched a season high for points in a quarter with 44 in the third to take a 119-81 lead. The Thunder were once again on the road for one game, where they were defeated 98-106 by the Dallas Mavericks. In their recent game, the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Brooklyn Nets 127-101, after coming off a loss against Dallas. Oklahoma City shot 61.9% from the field and 61.1% from 3-point range (11 of 18) in the first half and continued to dominate in the second half.

The Oklahoma City Thunder have been averaging 116.4 points per game, 43.7 rebounds and 26.2 assists per game this season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads their offense scoreboard averaging 31.5 points per game and 6.1 assists per game. In defence, Jalen Williams averages 5.7 rebounds. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with 2.1 steals per game and 1.1 blocks per game.

Offensively, the Thunder capitalize on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's all-around scoring and playmaking abilities. Jalen Williams court vision complements the team’s high-paced style, while Chet Holmgren provides interior scoring and rim protection with his shot-blocking prowess. Their two-point field goal percentage is strong, showing their ability to score inside effectively and have an average of 47.3% field goals. Their efficiency from the three-point range at around 35.4%. Their emphasis on ball movement is evident in their 26.0 assists per game and they convert 82.5% from the free throw line. Defensively, the Thunder are solid in protecting the rim, averaging 5.9 blocks and 11.6 steals per game. But their rebounding which is at 43.8 could see some improvement.

Key players include Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who continues to lead the team with elite scoring and playmaking, and Isaiah Hartenstein, whose rebounding and Jalen Williams assists fuel the Thunder's transition game. Defensive contributions from Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren enhance their interior and perimeter defense. Chet Holmgren, a standout rookie, also provides critical shot-blocking presence.

Injury- Ajay Mitchell, Chet Holmgren, Nikola Topic, Isaiah Hartenstein, Jalen Williams.

Utah Jazz

The Utah Jazz are currently 5th in the Northwest division and 15th in the Western Conference. Their record this season is 10-31 after their recent loss against the New Orleans Pelicans. Isaiah Collier drove for the go-ahead layup with 2 seconds left to lift the Utah Jazz to a 112-111 overtime victory over the Brooklyn Nets. Collier finished with a career-high 23 points, seven rebounds and seven assists to lead the Jazz, snapping a three-game losing streak. Efficient perimeter shooting carried Utah to its third home win of the season. The Jazz made 17 3-pointers and shot 39% from long distance. Their winning streak was short lived as they went on to lose their following game, where they were defeated 112-117 by the Charlotte Hornets. In their recent game, the Utah Jazz were defeated 123-136 by the New Orleans Pelicans, to open a two-game set. The Jazz have lost five of six and have the fewest victories in the Western Conference, one behind the Pelicans. Injury to key players made it tough for Utah to stay with the Pelicans squad, that is getting healthier and playing better. In their recent game, the Utah Jazz were defeated 119-123 by the New Orleans Pelicans, after giving away a 25-point lead. Utah lost despite out rebounding New Orleans 63-45, outscoring the Pelicans 60-40 in the paint and scoring 23 second-chance points.

The Utah Jazz have been averaging 111.3 points per game, 45.0 rebounds and 25.0 assists per game this season. Lauri Markkanen leads their offensive scoreboard averaging 20.1 points per game and Keyonte George with 5.6 assists per game. In defence, Walker Kessler averages 11.3 rebounds, 2.5 blocks per game and John Collins with 1.1 steals per game.

Offensively, Utah leans on Markkanen's offense, supplemented by Collins’ inside scoring and reliable perimeter efficiency from the three. The team shoots 45.8% field goals and 36.1% from the arc. They convert 79.0% from the free throw line and average 25.0 assists per game. However, the team struggles with turnovers and perimeter defence, which opponents exploit for easy transition buckets. Defensively, they must emphasize closing out shooters and improving defensive rotations. They average 5.0 blocks and 6.9 steals per game, while their rebounding is at 45.0 rebounds per game. On average they commit 18.9 fouls per game.

Key players to watch include Lauri Markkanen, who remains the focal point of the offence, delivering in scoring and Keyonte George with his playmaking abilities. Players like John Collins and Jordan Clarkson contribute offensively and Walker Kessler has also been instrumental for the team due to his defensive abilities.

Injury- Taylor Hendricks, John Collins, Jordan Clarkson, Johnny Juzang, Lauri Markkanen, Micah Potter, Cody Williams, Collin Sexton.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Utah Jazz Starting Lineups

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Utah Jazz Match Prediction & Analysis

The Oklahoma City Thunder is set to host the Utah Jazz at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Over the last 10 games, the Thunder have an 8-2 record, averaging 116.4 points per game while allowing 103.6 points. Whereas the Jazz in the last 10 games, are 3-7, averaging 111.4 points per game and conceding 118.2.

The Thunder’s potent offense, led by Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams, combined with their strong home-court performance, positions them favourably against the Jazz. Utah’s injury depleted roster, missing key contributors like Markkanen and Clarkson, may struggle to contain Oklahoma City’s dynamic scoring and defensive capabilities. The Jazz will need significant contributions from their available players to challenge the Thunder’s dominance in this matchup.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Utah Jazz Player Stats

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER vs UTAH JAZZ
Winning Prediction

The Oklahoma City Thunder are the strong favourites to win this matchup. They led the Western Conference and are performing exceptionally well both offensively and defensively.

Oklahoma City Thunder to Win!

1xBet

330% up to ₹65,000 on your 1st Deposit with Reg Code: TOPBK

BET NOW