Denver All-Star center Nikola Jokic has transformed the franchise. Jokic is the big name the Nuggets needed for credibility. Most important of all he has made Denver into a playoff team. Gamblers now take the Nuggets seriously with the NBA lines. Jokic and a strong defense make Denver a difficult out. Also bringing effective defense to the hardwood is the Jazz. Utah failed to bring its usual reliable betting value this season. SG Donovan Mitchell has been forced to carry too much of the load. Alternatively, the Jazz defense will have to break out the clamps for an upset shot.
Utah Jazz vs. Denver Nuggets – Game 2 Information
| Date and Time: | Wednesday, August 19, 2020, 4 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Advent Health Arena, Orlando, Florida |
| Jazz vs. Nuggets TV Coverage: | TNT |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jazz | +4 (-110) | 217½ (-110) | +160 |  |
| Nuggets | -4 (-110) | 217½ (-110) | -185 | |
| ||||
Utah Jazz vs. Denver Nuggets SBG Odds Overview
Of major concern is Utah’s Bojan Bogdanovic being out for the season with a wrist injury. His 20.2 points per game will be difficult to replace. Many gamblers overreact to such injuries with the offshore betting odds. On this occasion, it may actually make a lot of sense. That being said the Nuggets are a potential overlay. If Utah brings their traditional tight defense, it may steal some value. But will they?
Utah Jazz Team Overview
In sum, the Jazz is 44-28 straight up and 34-36-2 vs. the line with 34 under. Utah ranks 18th for scoring but ninth for points allowed. Second in the Northwest Division behind Denver was their final standing. Utah as gotten the money in three of their last five outings.
Key Utah Jazz: SG Donovan Mitchell 24.0 PTS, 4.4 REB, 4.3 AST, 44.9 FG%, 36.6 3P%, 86.3 FT%, C Rudy Gobert 15.1 PTS. 13.5 REB, 1.5 AST, 69.3 FG%, 0.0 3P%, 63.0 FT%
Denver Nuggets Team Overview
First place in the Northwest Division went to the Nuggets. Denver was 46-27 straight up, 33-36-4 against the spread with 34 under. NBA metrics show the Nuggets 19th for scoring and 11th for points allowed. Late on Denver has lost three of their last five to the spread. Eight of their last nine went over the total.
Key Denver Nuggets: C Nikola Jokic 19.9 PTS, 9.7 REB, 7.0 AST, 52.8 FG%, 31.4 3P%, 81.7 FT%, PG Jamal Murray 18.5 PTS, 4.0 REB, 4.8 AST, 45.6 FG%, 34.6 3P%, 88.1 FT%
Utah Jazz and Denver Nuggets Against the Spread
The Jazz, are:
- 9-2 against the spread in their last 11 games as a dog
- 4-6 under the total when getting points
- 2-6 vs. the line as a dog to the Nuggets
- 1-9 under the total when getting points against Denver
The Nuggets are:
- 2-5 vs. the line in their last seven games as chalk
- 3-4-1 under the total as a favorite
- 6-3 against the spread in their last nine overall games with the Jazz
- 3-9 under the total head to head with Utah
Utah Jazz vs. Denver Nuggets SBG Best Bet
As mentioned earlier the Nuggets have not been effective favorites with the NBA lines. Utah may lack Denver’s firepower but their defense can compensate. Square money will go towards the Nuggets. As a result, the Jazz may get a better price than warranted.
Jazz vs. Nuggets SBG Best Bet: Utah Jazz