Phoenix Suns vs Utah Jazz Prediction and Betting Tips | Dec. 13, 2024

The Phoenix Suns look to end a three-game losing slump when they visit the Utah Jazz on Friday. Kevin Durant, upgraded to probable, will give Phoenix a big boost if cleared to play. The Suns can also count on Devin Booker and Bradley Beal to snap them out of their funk.

Meanwhile, the struggling Jazz hope to pull an upset despite an injury-hampered roster. A handful of players are out, while Lauri Markkanen and Jordan Clarkson are iffy. Collin Sexton, who has been given the go-signal to play, will lead the Jazz.

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Phoenix Suns vs Utah Jazz Preview, Prediction, Starting Lineups and Betting Tips

The Delta Center will host the Suns-Jazz game. Basketball fans can also catch the action by subscribing to the NBA League Pass.

Moneyline: Suns (-280) vs. Jazz (+230)

Odds: Suns (-7.0) vs. Jazz (+7.0)

Total (O/U): Suns (o231.5 -110) vs. Jazz (u231.5 -110)

Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.

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Phoenix Suns vs Utah Jazz preview

In the first meeting between the two teams, the Phoenix Suns labored to beat the Jazz 120-112 without Kevin Durant. The former MVP is expected to play, giving coach Mike Budenholzer another weapon to throw at the hosts.

The Suns' defense has been the culprit in their recent slide. They struggle to stop opponents even when they’re fully healthy. Phoenix can't afford to overlook the undermanned Jazz.

The Utah Jazz have struggled to win games in large part because of injuries to key players. If cleared to play, Jordan Clarkson and Lauri Markkanen will give the Jazz a much-needed boost in firepower.

Like the Sun, the Jazz have had a hard time slowing down their opponents. Utah is even worse than Phoenix, ranking 29th out of 30 teams in defensive rating. Clarkson and Markkanen’s presence might not matter if they can’t consistently string together defensive stops.

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Phoenix Suns vs Utah Jazz predicted starting lineups

Suns

PG: Tyus Jones | SG: Bradley Beal | SG: Devin Booker | PF: Kevin Durant | C: Jusuf Nurkic

Jazz

PG: Keyonte George | SG: Collin Sexton | SF: Lauri Markkanen | PF: John Collins | C: Walker Kessler

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Phoenix Suns vs Utah Jazz betting tips

Devin Booker is averaging 26.0 points in his last five games. If KD returns, the former MVP will likely be under minutes restriction. Book should still be the main guy on offense and likely allow him to top his 24.5 (O/U) points prop on Friday.

Bradley Beal has averaged 16.8 points in his last five games. Against Utah’s defense, he might squeeze past his 15.5 (O/U) points prop.

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Phoenix Suns vs Utah Jazz prediction

Assuming Kevin Durant plays limited minutes after a troublesome calf injury, the Suns have the edge in firepower and a better defense. Utah’s best scorers are questionable, but if they were to play, the visitors have the advantage. The Suns likely end its slump and beat the -7.0 spread.