Jazz vs. Celtics Prediction and Odds (Expect Defensive Battle in Boston)

The Boston Celtics are arguably the hottest team in the NBA right now. They are just 2.5 games out of the No. 1 seed in the East and have won four straight games heading into Wednesday’s showdown with the Utah Jazz. 

Utah has not played nearly as well on the road (19-16) as it has at home (26-11) this season, but can it cover as an underdog against Jayson Tatum and company? 

Let’s get into the odds for this matchup via WynnBET: 

Jazz vs. Celtics Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

• Jazz +5 (-110)
• Celtics -5 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Jazz: +165
• Celtics: -200

Total:

• 218 (Over -110/Under -110)

Jazz vs. Celtics Prediction and Pick

This is an interesting matchup, as the against the spread trends don’t favor either team in this matchup. 

Boston is just 13-19-1 against the spread as a home favorite while the Jazz are 2-3-1 against the spread as an away underdog this season. 

Both of these teams have played well over their last 10 games, as the Celtics are fifth in offensive rating and eighth in defensive rating, and Utah is 11th and fifth in those categories over the same stretch. 

Over the entire season, Boston is No. 1 in defensive rating and Utah is No. 1 in offensive rating. Strength on strength. This should be fun. 

But, how should we bet on this game? 

I don’t really have a strong take on a side, but I think the UNDER may be the play on Wednesday. 

Utah has failed to clear this number in six of its last 11 games playing much softer defenses, and it is one of the best under teams in the NBA this season, going 38-32-2. As for Boston, it has gone 38-34-1 on unders this season. 

I think this is going to be more of a defensive-orientated matchup than the total suggests. 

Lean: UNDER 218 (-110)

Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record in the NBA this season here.