Utah Jazz vs New York Knicks Prediction and Betting Tips - Dec. 5

A cross-conference matchup between the Utah Jazz and New York Knicks is included in Friday’s 12-game NBA lineup. The Jazz enter the night riding their strongest stretch of the season with three wins in their last four, while the Knicks are also rolling after taking five of their previous six.

Here’s a preview of this Utah Jazz vs New York Knicks game, scheduled to tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Utah Jazz vs New York Knicks Preview and Odds

Moneyline: Jazz (-130) vs Knicks (+110)

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Spread: Jazz -1.5 (-110) vs Knicks +1.5 (-110)

Total (O/U): Jazz o223.5 (-110) vs Knicks u223.5 (-110)

Editor's note: The odds could change close to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.

Utah Jazz vs New York Knicks preview

The question is whether the Knicks have enough to cover the spread even though the Jazz, despite being just 8-13, have been playing well.

Across their last four outings, during which Utah went 3-1, the Jazz posted the league’s 11th best offensive rating while ranking top 10 in pace and true shooting percentage. The sample size is small, but the eye test backs it up. Utah’s surge has been driven by Lauri Markkanen (26.3 points, 7.8 rebounds) and Keyonte George (22.0 ppg, 6.5 assists).

Beyond those two, five additional Jazz players are averaging double figures, a strong foundation for an efficient offense.

The Knicks, meanwhile, have dominated over their past six games, producing a 13.1 net rating that trails only the league-leading OKC Thunder. Their offense ranks fourth in that stretch and their defense comes in sixth.

Even without OG Anunoby during this run, the Knicks have leaned on Jalen Brunson’s 25.2 ppg and Karl-Anthony Towns’ 25.2 ppg and 10.8 rpg to overwhelm opponents with a plus-13.5 point differential.

On the injury front, New York may get Anunoby back tonight after he was upgraded to questionable. Landry Shamet remains out with a right shoulder sprain.

Utah Jazz vs New York Knicks betting tips

Jalen Brunson O/U 30.5 points – Take the under.
Lauri Markkanen O/U 25.5 points – Take the over.
Keyonte George Jr. O/U 20.5 points – Take the over.
Mikal Bridges O/U 15.5 points – Take the over.

Utah Jazz vs New York Knicks prediction

The Knicks may simply be too much for the Jazz to handle, especially with the matchup taking place at Madison Square Garden. Expect New York to rely on its veteran scorers to carry them through.

Our prediction: Knicks win by 17.