Utah Jazz vs Phoenix Suns Predictions, Betting Odds & Picks

• The Utah Jazz sit atop the Western Conference, with just one game separating them and the Suns.

• The Phoenix Suns have clinched the playoffs for the first time in ten seasons!

• The Suns have won both of their meetings with the Jazz this season.

Utah Jazz vs Phoenix Suns Odds

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Utah Jazz vs Phoenix Suns Predictions and Picks

While the Utah Jazz have been playing excellent basketball, the Phoenix Suns have had the advantage in this matchup. With Donovan Mitchell out, the Phoenix Suns are favored once again.

Pick:

Phoenix Suns def. Utah Jazz (-200)

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How to Watch Utah Jazz vs Phoenix Suns

Head-to-Head: Utah Jazz vs Phoenix Suns

UTA: Bench Production

The Utah Jazz were undermanned in their last game, but their role players did more than enough to make up for their production.

In their 154 to 105 win over the Sacramento Kings, the Jazz bench scored 76 points. The trio of Jordan Clarkson, Jarrell Brantley, and Matt Thomas combined for 53 of that 76.

With Conley and Mitchell likely unavailable for this matchup, the Jazz will need a similar performance from their role players against the Suns. Not high volume players by any means, the likes of Joe Ingles and Jordan Clarkson will have to be willing playmakers to get their teammates going.

Jazz Key Player: (G) Jordan Clarkson

Jordan Clarkson ? pic.twitter.com/dHubth02ky

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 28, 2021

The Jazz will need offence off the bench and there is not a better player to turn to than likely Sixth Man of the Year, Jordan Clarkson.

Clarkson was excellent in his last match, scoring 23 points on eight of 14 shooting from the field. He’s always looking to create opportunities going at the rim, but with Mitchell and Conley’s status uncertain he’ll need to flex his playmaking against a stronger opponent.

Despite a 23 point night against the Kings, Clarkson was empty in the assist column. To beat the Suns, he’ll need to be more proactive in create chances for others.

PHO: Smart, Efficient Defence

The Phoenix Suns have clinched their first playoff berth in ten season, mostly due to a revolutionary turn in their defensive ability. When they take on the Jazz, they’ll need to show off the defence that helped them beat the Clippers in their last game.

In the Suns’ previous match, a victory over the LA Clippers, Monty Williams’ side held down one of the more dangerous offensive units in the league. Sure they were missing Kawhi Leonard and Serge Ibaka, but the Suns came out the winner of a gritty game where they held their opponents to just nine free throws.

The Jazz will play more of a spread offence, creating drive and kick opportunities for their shooters around Rudy Gobert. With a win, the Suns could take first in the Western Conference.

Suns Key Player: (G) Chris Paul

Chris Paul puts the game away from deep at MSG! pic.twitter.com/x288QBb1nn

— NBA (@NBA) April 27, 2021

At 35 years old, Chris Paul is one of the most senior players in the NBA. Paul is “betting on himself” this season, leading the Suns to success.

In his last game, Paul posted 28 points, 10 assists, and three steals on 10 of 15 shooting from the field.

How Paul operates the Suns’ offence will determine if they come out victorious. It’s no secret that Chris Paul’s pick-and-roll play could help the Suns overcome two-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert.