PREMIUM
Stephen Nover's NBA Totals Crusher
(NBA) Utah vs. Phoenix,
Total: 203.00 | -105.00 Under
Result: Loss
Total: 203.00 | -105.00 Under
Result: Loss
Utah is a premier defensive team. But the oddsmaker can't get away with opening a total at just 203 when Phoenix is involved.
The Suns give up 125.2 points a game, worst in the NBA. I'm not sure what is more scary, the Suns allowing 132 points to the Lakers, 130 to the Clippers, 124 to the Trail Blazers in a 48-point loss that helped get Earl Watson fired, or 117 to the offensively-challenged Kings in their last game?
Utah doesn't need the ghosts of John Stockton and Karl Malone to easily reach triple digits against this Phoenix defense. The Jazz will be stressing offense here after getting pummeled, 102-84, by the Clippers last night. Utah missed 21 of 28 shots from beyond the arc against the Clippers.
The Clippers are No. 1 in fewest points allowed per game and first in defensive 3-point percentage. Phoenix ranks in the bottom-three in defensive field goal percentage and 3-point defense. The difference couldn't be more wide for the Jazz going from the best defensive team to the worst.
The Jazz are more offensive-minded at point guard with Ricky Rubio joining the team this season. He's played well scoring in double digits each game while ranking eighth in the league in assists. Utah loses some defense, though, with Rubio at the point. So Rubio is good for the Over. Clippers guards Austin Rivers and Patrick Beverley combined for 35 points against Utah last night. Rivers and Beverley are not exactly featured offensive stars.
The Over has cashed in 20 of the Suns' last 28 home games. Phoenix should come out with a lot of energy at home under interim coach Jay Triano. The Suns certainly won't play half-court with the Jazz. This should be an up-tempo game with the Jazz using this matchup to also work on their offense with a faster prace. They also will be able to pound inside with Rudy Gobbert and Derrick Favors.
The Suns give up 125.2 points a game, worst in the NBA. I'm not sure what is more scary, the Suns allowing 132 points to the Lakers, 130 to the Clippers, 124 to the Trail Blazers in a 48-point loss that helped get Earl Watson fired, or 117 to the offensively-challenged Kings in their last game?
Utah doesn't need the ghosts of John Stockton and Karl Malone to easily reach triple digits against this Phoenix defense. The Jazz will be stressing offense here after getting pummeled, 102-84, by the Clippers last night. Utah missed 21 of 28 shots from beyond the arc against the Clippers.
The Clippers are No. 1 in fewest points allowed per game and first in defensive 3-point percentage. Phoenix ranks in the bottom-three in defensive field goal percentage and 3-point defense. The difference couldn't be more wide for the Jazz going from the best defensive team to the worst.
The Jazz are more offensive-minded at point guard with Ricky Rubio joining the team this season. He's played well scoring in double digits each game while ranking eighth in the league in assists. Utah loses some defense, though, with Rubio at the point. So Rubio is good for the Over. Clippers guards Austin Rivers and Patrick Beverley combined for 35 points against Utah last night. Rivers and Beverley are not exactly featured offensive stars.
The Over has cashed in 20 of the Suns' last 28 home games. Phoenix should come out with a lot of energy at home under interim coach Jay Triano. The Suns certainly won't play half-court with the Jazz. This should be an up-tempo game with the Jazz using this matchup to also work on their offense with a faster prace. They also will be able to pound inside with Rudy Gobbert and Derrick Favors.
