Jazz vs. Suns Predictions, Odds, Preview

VegasInsider Staff Sports Betting Expert

6 minute read

Apr. 30, 2021

by Michael Crosson
NBA Expert
VegasInsider.com

Western Conference NBA action will resume on Friday night with the Suns set to square off with the Jazz for a blockbuster matchup at 10 o’clock Eastern Time, in the Valley.

So, VI is getting you ready with a variety of betting resources to help handicap all the evening’s top contests.

Jazz vs. Suns Betting Resources

Matchup: Western Conference
Expert Picks: Vegas Insiders
Venue: Phoenix Suns Arena
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Date: Friday, Apr. 30, 2021
Time: 10:10 p.m. ET
TV: NBA League Pass
Bet: BetMGM | betrivers |FanDuel |bet365 |DraftKings |Best Sportsbooks

Betting Odds - Jazz vs. Suns

Line Movements

Subject to Change

Spread: Suns -4.5
Money-Line: Phoenix -190, Utah +160
Total: 222.5

Phoenix enters Friday’s matchup as a 4.5-point favorite over the visiting Jazz – marking just the fifth time the Jazz have been listed as an underdog since the start of March (30 games).

The total for this event currently sits at OU 222.5 as the Suns have seen the 'under' hit in three of the past four home contests.

The Jazz play with double revenge on Friday night as they square off with the Suns in Phoenix. (AP)

Jazz vs. Suns Current Form-Last Game

The Suns head into Friday boasting wins in eight of their last 11 games, which includes impressive victories over the Sixers, Bucks, Heat, Jazz, and Clippers during that timeframe.

The most recent of Phoenix’ victories came in a matchup against the Clippers on Wednesday night – as Chris Paul went off for 28 points and 10 assists on the way to an eight-point win over Los Angeles to take advantage of Kawhi Leonard's absence.

On the flip side, the Jazz find themselves in the midst of a relative cold spell – considering Utah currently owns the best record in the NBA at 45-17, despite losing two of their last three games.

Utah’s most recent affair resulted in a blowout win over the Kings though, as the Jazz racked up 154 points on 64% from the field and 59% from downtown during their 39-point win over Sacramento.

Jazz vs. Suns Head-to-Head

Apr. 7, 2021 - Suns 117 vs. Jazz 113 (OT), Phoenix +2.5, Over 227
Dec. 31, 2020 - Suns 106 at Jazz 95, Phoenix +4, Under 219

Phoenix has reigned victorious in both of its matchups against the Suns so far this year – with the first of those contests staying under the total set for Friday’s affair (201 points), and the other cruising over that number thanks to overtime (230 points).

Utah struggled to get the offense going during the first matchup between these teams, as Mitchell and company generated just 96 points on 41% from the field, while knocking down 12-of-34 three-point attempts over the course of a double-digit victory for the Suns.

The most recent meeting between these teams required an additional five minutes in order to determine a winner though – with Phoenix and Utah deadlocked at 102 as regulation of that contest concluded, which otherwise would have cashed another ‘under’ result.

Paul and Booker combined for 12 points in the extra stanza of that affair though, which was easily enough to push Phoenix past the Jazz – considering Utah put up just 11 points during the overtime period.

(SU-Straight Up, ATS - Against the Spread, OU - Over-Under)

Utah Jazz Betting Outlook

Inside the Stats (2020-2021)

Overall: 45-17 SU, 36-26 ATS, 28-33-1 OU
Road: 19-13 SU, 16-16 ATS, 15-16-1 OU

For the time-being, the Jazz sit atop the Western Conference standings with a record of 45-17. Utah’s crown that it claimed for the majority of this season is currently in jeopardy though.

Mitchell has now missed six straight games while matching up against subpar opponents, and the Jazz have dropped half of those contests (Timberwolves (2), Lakers).

Utah has consistently leaned towards the ‘under’ for most of the current season (28-33-1), as this year’s Jazz team has become notorious for falling into defensive battles – compared to last year’s squad that finished at a 43-36 over-under clip.

That trend of low-scoring affairs has become more prevalent during Utah’s latest stretch of matchups too – considering the total has stayed 'under' in four of the last five Jazz’ games.

Phoenix Suns Betting Outlook

Inside the Stats (2020-2021)

Overall: 44-18 SU, 38-23-1 ATS, 33-29 OU
Home: 24-9 SU, 21-12 ATS, 19-14 OU

The Suns enter Friday’s contest having won 15 of their last 19 games – currently giving Phoenix the second-best record in the NBA (44-18), which falls just one game behind the opposing Jazz.

A victory for Phoenix on Friday though, would technically dethrone the Jazz in the standings for the first time in several months – considering the Suns clinch the head-to-head tiebreaker over Utah with a win in this matchup.

Betting the total in Suns’ games has been a tough play for bettors to nail down so far this season – with the ‘over’ cashing in roughly 53% of matchups containing Phoenix so far this year.

There seems to be some newfound consistency in scoring-volume during Phoenix’ most recent stretch of contests though – considering the total has gone 'over' in four of the last six Suns’ games.

Key Injuries

Utah Jazz

SF Royce O'Neale: Wrist - Questionable
SG Donovan Mitchell: Ankle - Out
PG Mike Conley: Hamstring - Out

Phoenix Suns

SF Dario Saric: Ankle - Probable
SF Jae Crowder: Ankle - Questionable
SG Langston Galloway: Personal - Questionable

Jazz vs. Suns Player Prop Best Bet

Chris Paul – Over 16.5 Points (-110)

With Booker experiencing some inconsistencies in offensive production over the last few weeks, Paul has been forced to ramp up his contributions to the Suns’ scoring department in the meantime.

CP3 has scored 20 or more points in five of his last six games, while eclipsing double-digit field goal attempts in all those outings.

I’ll back Paul to have another solid night on the scoreboard here, as Phoenix will likely opt to lean on its clutch performers down the stretch of Friday’s double-revenge game – which typically ends up being CP3 in the Suns’ case.