NBA 2021/22 on Thursday, 27/01/2022
Utah Jazz were beaten by the Phoenix Suns last Sunday. However, this was closer than many would have expected. Now it comes to the exciting rematch in Salt Lake City only a few days later.
While I was still in favour of the Arizonans in the first match, I will switch sides this time. One reason for this is this Jazz Suns tip, in which I will discuss, among other things, the influence of Rudy Gobert on Utah’s success rate.
Incredible what the Jazz reserves showed against the Suns a few days ago – and that despite the fact that Rudy Gobert, Donovan Mitchell, Mike Conley, Bojan Bogdanovic, Royce O’Neale, and Joe Ingles were all unable to play.
Phoenix eventually won as I predicted, but no one would have thought that the final score would only be 115-109 in favour of last year’s NBA Finals participant. Especially not after their recent strong performances.
The Arizonans won their seventh game in a row and, with the exception of Jae Crwoder and centre DeAndre Ayton – who are currently being excellently replaced by the McGee/Biyomobo duo – were able to draw on a full complement of players!
Utah continue to ride their negative streak, but I’ll actually switch sides for the rematch. Because it is very likely that some key players will be back in Salt Lake City.
Centre Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell, the Jazz’s two absolute superstars, should be back on the floor for the rematch. Here, it’s worth checking on their status until shortly before tip-off.
Nothing is certain yet, but I strongly suspect that the Frenchman will play 90% of the time, while Mitchell’s return is also a possibility. If that is the case, it will be much harder for the Suns to repeat their success this time around.
Gobert’s effort, in particular, will be essential to my Jazz Suns tip – on this point, the stats are also unmistakable. For the Yellow and Blue’s all-time record with their centre is 339-248, but only 39-58 without him!
With Gobert, the home side would also have a slight advantage at the centre position! For the guests from Arizona, DeAndre Ayton will probably be out again – even if, as already mentioned, he is a worthy substitute.
In the end, however, I don’t see Utah ahead primarily because Gobert is so much better compared to the opposing double solution on the five (Biyombo/McGee), but because the Frenchman is a much more effective alternative to his own replacement centre Hassan Whiteside.
If the Suns had already struggled so much against this Jazz reserve in front of their home crowd, the rematch will be even tougher if Goberts is used. In his last three outings against Phoenix, the Frenchman has grabbed the most rebounds of the game (32 in total).
Apart from that, the Vivint Smart Home Arena is a hot spot for the Eastern Conference leaders – they lost two of their last three NBA away games here!
But I’m happy to repeat myself: at the very least, Gobert will have to get the starting nod from his coach for a strong showing from the Yellow and Blue.
In this case, I’m also opting for a Suns win, which is currently trading at odds of 1.50.
In the event that the Utah Jazz win, on the other hand, a payout is offered where the original bet can be multiplied by a factor of 2.70.
Summary: The Jazz put on a hell of a performance a few days ago without their superstars. The Suns only won thanks to an increase in performance in the final quarter. However, it could be much closer in the rematch.
This time, the game will take place in Salt Lake City, but more importantly, both Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell could be back in the starting five. Especially the Frenchman could make the difference.
Gobert has collected the most rebounds in each of the last three direct duels against the Arizonans. Moreover, the home side is statistically much more successful with their centre on the floor.
It’s not 100% certain, but if Gobert can at least play, I see Utah coming out on top this time!
