Nuggets vs. Jazz Predictions, Picks & Odds: Backups Meet in Utah

The Denver Nuggets have already wrapped up the top seed in the West, and they're resting their starters against the Utah Jazz. Here is our Nuggets-Jazz prediction based on the best NBA odds.

There are just two days remaining in the NBA's season. Quite a few contests still feature dramatic storylines, but not this one. The Nuggets will be the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, and they're resting Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., Reggie Jackson, and Aaron Gordon on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Jazz have nothing to play for now, and they're also benching a majority of their players while looking to improve the team's draft slot. Lauri Markkanen, Jordan Clarkson, Collin Sexton, Talen Horton-Tucker, Rudy Gay, and Kelly Olynyk are all out.

Here is our best Nuggets-Jazz prediction (odds via FanDuel Sportsbook; Pick confidence is based on a 1-to-5-star scale).

Nuggets vs. Jazz prediction

Under 225.5 (-110 via FanDuel Sportsbook) ⭐⭐

It's very difficult to be confident in any bet for this game. The Nuggets are the 6-point favorite, and while their backups are certainly better than the Jazz’s unit, it’s hard to trust them to cover here. But how can you trust the Jazz?

With the spread out of the question, look to the total. The Under is the right play for a few reasons.

Firstly, the number is very high considering how much offensive firepower is missing for both teams. Second, even when these teams were at full strength, none of their previous three meetings went over the listed total.

The offense will certainly be worse for both teams, but so will the defense. The same was true on Friday when the Milwaukee Bucks decided to rest their starters against the Memphis Grizzlies. The first half ended with 143 points. But the Jazz don't share the Bucks' depth.

This is just a two-star play because there are so many unknowns heading toward tipoff. There aren't reliable stats or trends to lean on in a game that will feature players who don't normally square off against each other. But know these players are backups for a reason, and take the Under.

Nuggets vs. Jazz best odds

FanDuel (-110)

PointsBet is the only top-rated sportsbook offering this number below 225.5. That book is only a half-point off from the other four books. But this play isn't worth considering while taking that hook.

If you're looking toward the spread, take FanDuel because it's offering the Jazz at +7. It’s the best line out there for Utah, and the Jazz are the slightly more likely option to cover in this one. If you insist on parlaying, FanDuel is the best option.

Nuggets vs. Jazz odds

Nuggets vs. Jazz odds analysis

The Nuggets opened as 6.5-point favorites, and the line has been moving in different directions. The Jazz are currently generating 67% of the support from bettors, as many believe their backups will perform just fine.

The total opened at 225.5, and it's stayed there at all of the major sportsbooks except for PointsBet. Currently, 64% of wagers are backing the Over, so it's surprising that PointsBet has lowered its total, while the rest of the major sportsbooks have done nothing. That number will likely go up before tipoff.

Nuggets vs. Jazz game info

• Date: Saturday, April 8, 3:30 p.m. ET
• TV: NBA TV
• Location: Vivint Arena, Salt Lake City, UT

Nuggets-Jazz pick made 4/8/2023 at 9:37 a.m. ET.

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