NBA Props and Stats: Spurs vs Jazz, Aug. 13
Utah Jazz Plays to Secure Playoff Position
On Thursday the Utah Jazz will play against the San Antonio Spurs for their last regular-season game in the bubble. Below we’ll discuss these two teams’ stats going into their matchup and also look at prop bets for Thursday. You can bet on this game and more on our sportsbook where you can find the latest NBA betting lines.
As of writing, the Spurs still theoretically have a chance to break into the play-in series over the weekend, giving them a fighting chance to make the playoffs. They just beat the Houston Rockets on Tuesday by a decisive 18-point margin, keeping their playoff hopes alive.
We’ll be keeping a close eye on the Grizzlies, Suns and Trail Blazers as this portion of the regular season rapidly comes to a close. Check out our NBA news page for the latest updates and online sports betting odds.
Regardless of whether or not San Antonio makes it to the playoff, you have to admire their effort so far in Florida. Their recent win against the Rockets has really given them a fighting chance, and against a team, they were unlikely to beat. This will give them extra motivation to finish strong against the Jazz.
Utah, on the other hand, is already guaranteed a spot in the playoffs despite a sluggish restart. Still adjusting to the loss of their No. 2 scorer Bojan Bogdanovic, they have struggled to post wins despite some impressive basketball.
Can the Spurs Make a Miracle Run
While we wait and see how the Western Conference playoffs matchups will end up, you have to give the Spurs credit for giving themselves a fighting chance.
They came into Florida with a mission to put themselves in the running, and they have managed to do just that. With the season rapidly coming to an end, they managed to throw their hat in the ring for the No. 8 seed alongside the Grizzlies, Trail Blazers, and Suns.
Their 2019-2020 season has been led by SF DeMar DeRozan who is leading the team in minutes, points, and assists. He’s been posting an impressive 22.1 PPG and 5.6 assists. Behind him is PF LaMarcus Aldridge. Aldridge has been averaging a respectable 18.9 PPG and 7.4 rebounds.
Of note is the performance of Derrick White. He has risen to the occasion and become one of the best performing point guards in the entire league. Overall this season, White is averaging around 11 PPG, but since the restart, he has nearly doubled that number. He is now averaging nearly 21 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.8 assists and is shooting over 40% from three-point land.
Whatever they are feeding him at the Spurs hotel, tell the staff to keep it up. He has become the team’s most important player aside from DeMar DeRozan and is part of the reason they have given themselves a shot at the playoffs.
On Tuesday, the Phoenix Suns and Trail Blazers both won their games but Memphis fell to the Boston Celtics. This theoretically could open the door for the Spurs, if they manage to win Thursday’s game and the Grizzlies lose to the Bucks. It’s going to be an exciting finish to the regular season in the Western Conference.
If they do manage to make the playoffs it will be a magnificent feat. It would be their 23rd straight season of playoff basketball. This would set a new NBA record, and prove once and for all you can never rule out the Spurs.
Utah Jazz Nursing Injuries Before Playoff Start
On Monday, the Utah Jazz added another disappointing loss to the Dallas Mavericks. With Donavon Mitchell nursing a leg injury, the team played strong throughout the first three quarters. They were hitting from three, passing the ball effectively and preventing their opponents from scoring from outside.
Unfortunately, in the fourth quarter, they were outscored 14-34 which resulted in their eventual loss 114-122. Despite the loss, Utah is still feeling optimistic about their play.
Keep in mind, the entire starting roster sat out the second half of this game. Coach Quin Snyder has been quoted recently talking about his strategy to keep his team healthy and develop a strong bench rotation with Bogdanovic looking to sit out for the rest of the season.
It will be interesting to see how they perform against the Spurs on Thursday. As of writing, Mitchell is still on the injury list and it wouldn’t be surprising if the sits out this game. The rest of the starters will likely get under 20 minutes of playing time for the same reason, to rest up and get ready for their playoff campaign.
It’s hard to imagine them getting past the Rockets, Clippers, and Lakers. Their odds to win the conference are currently quite low and the lines reflect that. Of course, the bubble has been full of surprises.
Spurs vs Jazz Head to Head
Thursday will be the fourth time this year that these two teams have met on the court. So far, the Spurs have one every single game.
San Antonio managed to beat the Jazz twice before the restart and then again last Friday. An interesting statistic for those looking to make an NBA prop bet, the Spurs beat the Jazz by 7, 8, and 9 points. This averages out to 8-point victories and all within just a couple of points of each other.
The Spurs have a lot to gain and a lot to lose on Thursday. Expect them to come out with their best effort. They know they can beat Utah. With that said, it’s only a matter of time before the Jazz gets their revenge and beats them. Will Thursday be the night?
Spurs vs Jazz: Free NBA Props Picks
Considering their hot streak lately, keep a close eye on prop bets leaning in the Spurs favor. If they play anything as they did against Houston, a double result of Spurs-Spurs could be a likely repeat.
Same for “team with the highest-scoring quarter”. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, this team will be going all out to finish the regular season strong. With three wins in a row, they will be using their momentum to their advantage on Thursday.
