Jazz vs Raptors Odds and Picks
- The Jazz and Raptors meet for the first time this season on Friday, March 19th
- Utah and Toronto are both coming off losses heading into this matchup
- Get our odds, preview, and best bet below
Two teams on the opposite side of the spectrum in their respective conferences meet as the Utah Jazz visit the Toronto Raptors on Friday, March 19th, tip-off at 8pm ET.
Despite losing to the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday, Nick Nurse will finally have a completely healthy roster heading into this contest, which has been a glaring issue over the last few weeks due to COVID-19 issues within the organization.
The Jazz still hold the best record in the NBA, but a loss to the 15-25 Washington Wizards will be concerning for Quin Snyder.
The Raps have the upper hand in this matchup across the last two seasons, winning four straight against Utah dating back to the 2018-19 campaign.
Jazz vs Raptors Odds
| Team | Spread at FanDuel | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah Jazz | -5 (-110) | -215 | Ov 229.5 (-110) |
| Toronto Raptors | +5 (-110) | +180 | Un 229.5 (-110) |
Odds taken March 18.
Is Utah Sliding?
The Jazz haven’t been the same beast since the All-Star break, going just 2-2. They were outplayed by the Warriors last Sunday, then Thursday was yet another loss, this time to the Wizards.
Utah is just 2-4 in their last six games and their performance in DC was definitely a poor one. Despite Donovan Mitchell putting up 42, Snyder’s team gave up 131 points to one of the statistically worst offensive teams in the association.
couldn't complete the comeback pic.twitter.com/QsX8wCgoi5
— utahjazz (@utahjazz) March 19, 2021
The Jazz turned the ball over 16 times, which turned into 24 points for Washington. Bradley Beal and co. also dominated Utah in the paint, outscoring them 54-38. They also shot just 46% from the field and a dreadful 57% from the line, which proved costly.
Although the Jazz cut it close down the stretch after trailing by as many as 24 at one point, this was a night to forget. For a team that has championship aspirations after a brilliant first half, these kinds of losses can’t happen.
📹| Donovan's with a season-high 42 points 🕷 pic.twitter.com/cxcTimigMB
— utahjazz (@utahjazz) March 19, 2021
Mike Conley continues to be out with a hamstring injury, their third-highest scorer this season with 16.4 points per night. The offensive punch and shooting ability he brings to Utah has been missed, but there’s more than enough talent on the roster to string together some victories. Even with Toronto at full strength, it will be an opportunity for Utah to bounce back with a statement win on Friday.
Raps Also Struggling
The Raptors are in even worse shape than Friday’s opponents, currently on a six-game losing skid while compiling an atrocious 2-8 record in their last 10 appearances. In fairness though, COVID-19 ripped through their roster, resulting in numerous key players such as Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet missing time.
Back on the grind pic.twitter.com/6nIe93oZtM
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) March 18, 2021
Thankfully though, both are back and ready to go as Toronto looks to turn things around and make a run at a play-in spot, at the very least. The Pistons handed Nick Nurse’s team another loss on Wednesday, with VanVleet and Siakam both looking slightly rusty in their first games back.
Norman Powell has been the clear star of this team over the last month, putting up a career-high 43 points against Detroit. Chris Boucher also added 21, but Toronto was outrebounded 54-30 by their opponents.
It was a cold night from the field, shooting under 45% and just 30% from downtown. On a more positive note though, their core is back intact and with OG Anunoby being cleared to play after a three-week absence, better times could be ahead for the Raptors.
Best Bet
Utah is 12-9 ATS on the road this season while going 26-12-1 overall against the spread. Toronto meanwhile, are only 7-10 ATS on home court and 8-9 as underdogs.
I think Thursday’s loss to the Wizards is going to be a huge wake-up call for the Jazz. They are going to roll into Tampa with a vengeance, but it won’t be easy for them against a full-strength Raptors team, who could break out at any given moment. The spread currently has them as five-point favorites, but I could see Toronto making it even closer.
Utah is going to get the victory here, but I like the Raps taking their opponents down to the wire. Put your money ATS on the Raptors, it’s worth it.
Pick: Toronto Raptors ATS +5 (-110)
Quinn Allen is a sports journalist, with a background and education in broadcast journalism (BCIT '17). He is a full-time associate editor at ClutchPoints by day, where he writes about soccer, baseball, basketball, football, and more. At night, Quinn is a frequent contributor at SBD.
