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Utah Jazz vs Charlotte Hornets Betting Preview
The Utah Jazz aim to snap a two-game skid as they visit the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday at Spectrum Center. Both teams are looking to rebound after uneven starts to the season.
Utah’s 2-3 record includes a 22-point loss at Phoenix, where their offense sputtered after a high-scoring 136-134 defeat to Portland. Coach Will Hardy challenged his group, saying he’s searching for players who will compete for all four quarters.
Charlotte, meanwhile, has dropped three straight, including a 122-105 home loss to Minnesota on Saturday. The Hornets allowed 72 points in the second half, exposing defensive gaps that Utah’s shooters could exploit.
Lauri Markkanen continues to carry the Jazz, averaging 32-plus points over his last four games. The Hornets counter with LaMelo Ball, who remains available despite ankle soreness, and Miles Bridges, who’s coming off a 30-point effort.
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Line Movement and Odds
At ScoresAndStats NBA odds, Charlotte opened as a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 238.5. Sharp bettors backed the Jazz early, trimming the line to -2.5 at most books, while public money hit the Over.
Opening Lines:
- Hornets -3.5 (-112)
- Jazz +3.5 (-110)
- O/U 238.5
Current Lines:
- Hornets -2.5 (-108)
- Jazz +2.5 (-112)
- O/U 239.5
Moneyline movement followed suit, tightening from Hornets -159 / Jazz +133 to Hornets -135 / Jazz +115, showing balanced two-way action.
Matchup Breakdown
Utah Jazz Outlook
Utah ranks ninth in scoring at 120.2 points per game and leads the NBA in rebounds at 50.8. Their issue remains turnovers and defensive lapses. Markkanen’s production and Keyonte George’s steady playmaking (17 points, 8 rebounds, 9 assists vs. Phoenix) give Utah scoring stability. Free throw efficiency (84.4%) could be the difference late in a close game.
Charlotte Hornets Outlook
Charlotte averages 120.8 points but allows 124, ranking among the league’s worst defensively. The Hornets move the ball well, sitting top-10 in assists (27.7 per game) and three-pointers made (15 per game). LaMelo Ball’s health and Miles Bridges’ shooting consistency are key. Charlotte must protect the paint better to avoid another late-game collapse.
For more analytical breakdowns and matchup data, see the NBA Bettors Handbook
Injuries and Conditions
Utah Jazz
- Walker Kessler (ankle) – Questionable, limited in practice
- Taylor Hendricks (knee) – Probable
- Luka Samanic (illness) – Out
Check updates on the Utah Jazz injury report
Charlotte Hornets
- LaMelo Ball (ankle impingement) – Probable, expected to play
- Nick Richards (shoulder) – Questionable
- Cody Martin (knee) – Out
Full details available on the Charlotte Hornets injury report
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Best Bets and Prediction
Both teams play fast and defend poorly, making the Over 239.5 a strong total lean. The Jazz have covered in two of three road games against Eastern opponents dating back to last year. Charlotte is 1-5 ATS in its last six home games.
Projected Score: Jazz 122, Hornets 118
Best Bet: Jazz +2.5
Secondary Lean: Over 239.5
For additional insight and projections, check the Expert Betting Guide
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