76ers vs Jazz Odds, Spread and Picks

• The Philadelphia 76ers (14-11) will host the Utah Jazz (17-7) on Thursday, December 9
• Utah is a 2.5-point favorite at FanDuel
• Keep reading for odds, predictions and a pick for this game

The Utah Jazz will travel to Philadelphia to take on the 76ers on Thursday, December 9 at Wells Fargo Center.

The Sixers have won their past three games, while Utah is on a five-game winning streak.

76ers vs Jazz Odds

Odds as of December 8 via FanDuel 

76ers Battling Inconsistency

The Sixers have talent, however, they have had a hard time stringing together stretches of winning basketball so far in this young season.

Part of this has to do with the COVID struggles the team faced, missing Joel Embiid for nine games last month and at times being down four of their five projected starters. It must also be pointed out that the team is missing their second All-Star in Ben Simmons, who continues to remain away from the team.

ICYMI: Despite missing four of their five starters, the Sixers pulled off a gutsy win in Sacramento led by Tyrese Maxey and Andre Drummond.@NoahLevick has more: https://t.co/J4JHzw0L2I

— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) November 23, 2021

That being said, even when healthy this team has faced challenges. These challenges include giving up big nights to waterbug guards, and having trouble executing down the stretch in the fourth quarter of close games.

The hope for Philly is that second-year guard Tyrese Maxey (17.2 ppg) will be able to become their closer. Maxey still has a lot of development to go before he can reliably be called upon to close out games.

Tyrese Maxey finishing at the rim compared to past MVPs

Allen Iverson
2001-02
55.6% (237/426)

Derrick Rose
2010-11
60.3% (352/584)

Russell Westbrook
2016-17
57.1% (347/608)

James Harden
2017-18
66% (319/483)

Tyrese Maxey
2021-22
73.8% (48/65)

— MRCROCKPOT TPL (@mrcrockpot) November 23, 2021

The Sixers need to execute better late in games, and as he grows Maxey should be able to help with that, thanks to his ability to put pressure on the rim in the pick-and-roll with his driving and finishing ability.

How Depth Will Factor In

This is a unique matchup in that both teams will be playing on the second leg of a back-to-back.

This will test the depth of both teams, and I think that Philly will have a slight edge here if they play up to their best ability. The Sixers have top-end talent with Embiid, an excellent secondary scorer in Tobias Harris, and a burgeoning star in Maxey. Perhaps more importantly in a game where both teams are going to be gassed in the second game of a back-to-back, however, the Sixers have some key weapons in reserves.

Andre Drummond, the 10-year veteran big man, is a rebounding machine who already has three games with 20+ rebounds this season.

Dre left the rim Shake-ing! pic.twitter.com/mZM99ErmE4

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) December 9, 2021

Although not particularly known for his scoring, Drummond played a key role in Philly’s short-handed victory earlier this season against Sacramento by dominating the boards, limiting the Kings to one shot per possession while ensuring that the Sixers were able to consistently salvage possessions in which they missed their first shot.

In addition to the simple benefit of having more shot attempts, Drummond’s contributions on the offensive glass can be demoralizing for opponents after a defense works hard to get a stop, only to allow the other team to get another opportunity to get a bucket.

Still amazed by this Matisse Thybulle defense last night. He's nearly to half court trying to deny Kemba Walker, backpedals around the pick, briefly stumbles off a wicked cross from a 4-time All-Star, but recovers to block the shot and get a run-out dunk. pic.twitter.com/C6RVYa6P2M

— Philly Fast Break (@PhillyFastBreak) January 23, 2021

Philadelphia’s bench is also littered with shooters who can get hot at any time.  From Furkan Korkmaz to Georges Niang to Shake Milton and even Isaiah Joe, Philly can put up points in a hurry.  We haven’t even talked about Matisse Thybulle yet, one of the league’s elite defenders who will likely be tasked with slowing down Donovan Mitchell.

76ers vs Jazz Prediction

I expect this game to be close. Both teams have talent and will be tired, having to travel to Philadelphia after playing a game the previous night.

That being said, I see two key factors that swing this game slightly in favor of the home team. I expect there to be a lot of back-and-forth in this game, as both teams are relatively evenly matched.

Three-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert and MVP candidate Joel Embiid will frustrate each other, but Embiid should still put up close to 25 points and 10 rebounds. If Thybulle can keep Donovan Mitchell somewhat in check, look for Philly to utilize their bench depth and the energy from the home crowd to close out a tight win in the final minutes.

The Pick: 76ers moneyline (+116)