Coming off a rare win, the Utah Jazz have a chance to win back-to-back for just the second time in 2025 when they visit the Phoenix Suns. The Suns have been struggling of late but they seem to have Utah’s number, with Phoenix going 3-0 against the Jazz this season. Will Utah kick off its three-game road trip with a win? Or, will the Suns continue their mastery of the Jazz?
Catch this game live on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 11:00 AM, Manila time
Away: Utah Jazz (12-37, 7-19 Away)
Projected Starting Five:
- Isaiah Collier
- Svi Mykhailiuk
- Lauri Markkanen
- John Collins
- Walker Kessler
Despite missing Lauri Markkanen, the Jazz subdued the Golden State Warriors at home last Thursday, 131-128. While the result of that game likely says more about Golden State than it does about the Jazz, Utah undeniably has some momentum going into Saturday’s date with Phoenix because of that win.
That being said, Jordan Clarkson, who had 31 points versus the Dubs, will sit out the Suns game due to foot injury management. The good news for Utah is that Markkanen is set to return. On the season, Markkanen is averaging 19.3 points, albeit on a mediocre 42.4 FG%. Plus, Keyonte George could still be feeling it after going off for 36 points in the thrilling win against Golden State. George has averaged 19.3 points with a 52.2 FG% and 41.7 3 FG% in the Jazz’s last three outings.
The Jazz have covered the spread in all of their last three games while the total hit the Under in two of those contests. Additionally, the Jazz are 4-2 ATS in their last six road games versus the Suns.
Home: Phoenix Suns (25-25, 15-9 Home)
Projected Starting Five:
- Tyus Jones
- Devin Booker
- Ryan Dunn (Probable)
- Kevin Durant (Questionable)
- Nick Richards
The Suns return home after a brutal 1-3 road trip, including three losses in a row to end that journey. They ended that trip in a 140-109 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. But a home game could just be what the doctor ordered for this struggling team – not to mention a seemingly ideal opponent. As mentioned, the Suns are undefeated through three meetings so far this season against Utah.
Phoenix has been capitalizing on the Jazz’s pathetic defense (26th in the NBA with 118.6 points allowed per outing) as the Suns have averaged 122.7 points and shot 51.3 FG% in its last three games against the Jazz. Booker put up 33.0 points in those outings while Durant has averaged 27.5 points in two of three Suns-Jazz contests. Durant missed the Thunder game and is questionable for the Jazz’s Saturday visit.
The Suns have won all of their last nine meetings with Utah. They are also 5-1 SU in their last six home games.
Picks
Spread: Utah Jazz (+8.5)
Over/Under: Under (231.0)
