Utah Jazz - Indiana Pacers predictions and free betting tips [16/01/2024]

On Tuesday morning, Indiana Pacers will make a trip to the Delta Center to square off against Utah Jazz. We're predicting a Jazz victory with a handicap of -4.5.

Utah Jazz

The Jazz are in fine form, having triumphed in 11 of their last 13 encounters and heading for a 6th straight win after beating the Los Angeles Lakers with a score of 132:125. Lauri Markkanen made a significant contribution to this win, scoring 29 points, getting 9 rebounds, and 5 assists. Collin Sexton added 27 points, Jordan Clarkson knocked down 21 points, while John Collins tallied 19 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 steals. The Jazz showed efficiency, hitting 45% of field goals and 12 out of 37 three-point attempts, allowing the Lakers an early run but then grabbing the game by the scruff, starting from the second quarter.

Having started the season with a 7-16 record, the situation has turned around in the last month, and the Jazz now stands as one of the most successful teams in the NBA. This coming Tuesday in Salt Lake City, they look to extend their winning streak, aiming for a sixth consecutive victory, facing off against the Indiana Pacers.

On average, Utah Jazz scores 116.4 points with 46.6% shooting and gives up 118.5 points with 47.7% shooting. Lauri Markkanen averages 23.7 points and 8.8 rebounds, while Jordan Clarkson contributes 17.9 points and 3.6 rebounds.

Indiana Pacers

The Pacers have been showing excellent form, winning 9 out of their last 11 games, despite a recent loss against Denver Nuggets with a 109:117 score. Bruce Brown made a significant contribution to this match, scoring 18 points, accumulating 10 rebounds, and 6 assists. Buddy Hield added 16 points, whilst Andrew Nembhard and Myles Turner each tallied 12 points. The Pacers showed a 46% shooting accuracy and hit 8 successful attempts out of 29 from the three-point line, however, the Nuggets made a decisive 9:0 run to regain dominance in the game.

The Pacers are facing difficulties due to the absence of their star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who has injured his left Achilles tendon. His return is not expected until February. Haliburton's absence is especially felt in fast breaks and long-range shots. Aaron Nesmith, another crucial Pacers player, is sidelined due to injury, affecting the team's attacking capabilities. In the last three games without Haliburton, no Pacers player scored more than 20 points, but in their last meeting with Utah Jazz on November 9th, Nesmith, Bennedict Mathurin, and Myles Turner each scored 20 points, securing a 134:118 victory.

Prediction for Utah Jazz - Indiana Pacers match

The Indiana Pacers are missing key players Tyrese Haliburton and Aaron Nesmith, whilst the Utah Jazz are at full strength. The Pacers had been showcasing impressive results until recently, but their winning streak was brought to a halt by the Denver Nuggets in the latest crushing defeat. Meanwhile, the Jazz are experiencing their prime in the season, having just clinched a fifth consecutive victory against the Lakers. Taking this into account, betting on a Jazz victory seems prudent.