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Game Preview: Utah Jazz vs Phoenix Suns
The Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns meet Friday night at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix to open West Group A play in the NBA Cup. The matchup comes just four days after Utah’s thrilling 138-134 overtime win in Salt Lake City — a game that featured a career-high 51 points from Lauri Markkanen.
The Jazz (2-2) will look to ride Markkanen’s hot hand again. The Finnish forward followed his historic night with 32 points, three steals, and three blocks in a close loss to Portland on Wednesday. Through four games, Markkanen ranks fifth in the NBA in scoring (34.0 ppg) while shooting 50.6% from the field and 40% from deep.
Phoenix (1-4) has been searching for rhythm under first-year coach Jordan Ott. The Suns are averaging just 44.3% shooting and 17.2 turnovers per game — both among the league’s worst marks. Their latest loss came at home against Memphis, where Devin Booker’s late jumper rimmed out in a 114-113 defeat.
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Line Movement and Odds
Phoenix opened as a 3.5-point home favorite, with the total set at 236. The line has seen balanced action, reflecting bettors’ uncertainty about whether the Suns can contain Markkanen or clean up their turnover issues.
This West Group A clash joins a competitive pool featuring Oklahoma City, Minnesota, and Sacramento. For Cup projections, see the NBA Western Conference odds preview and team-focused insights in the NBA Northwest Division breakdown and NBA Pacific Division outlook.
Utah Jazz Outlook
The Jazz’s resurgence is being powered by one of the NBA’s hottest offenses. Utah ranks fourth in scoring (126.2 ppg), second in free-throw percentage (86.9%), and first in rebounding (51.5 rpg). Their ability to create second-chance opportunities has offset defensive lapses, including allowing 44 paint points to Portland.
Markkanen’s production has been elite, but Utah’s backcourt has also stepped up. Rookie Keyonte George added 29 points and eight assists in the loss to Portland, while Jordan Clarkson continues to provide veteran scoring off the bench. Coach Will Hardy has emphasized ball movement — the Jazz average 30 assists per game, ranking top five leaguewide.
Defensively, Utah still struggles in transition and rim protection, but the emergence of young forwards Elijah Harkless and Cody Williams offers new energy. Both impressed in extended fourth-quarter minutes Wednesday, giving Hardy reason to trust his youth rotation deeper into games.
Jazz Injury Report
- Isaiah Collier (G) – Cleared to play (Hamstring)
- Walker Kessler (C) – Questionable (Ankle)
- Kris Dunn (G) – Out (Foot)
Explore Markkanen’s rise in the NBA Scoring Leader odds tracker, where he’s emerging as a legitimate contender after his early-season explosion.
Phoenix Suns Outlook
Phoenix continues to adapt under Ott’s uptempo philosophy, but turnovers and inconsistent defense have stunted progress. The Suns rank third-worst in turnovers (17.2 per game) and fifth-worst in field goal percentage (44.3%).
Devin Booker remains the stabilizing force, averaging 32.8 points and 9.1 assists, while center Mark Williams has quietly found form with consecutive double-doubles, including 25 points and 11 boards in the loss to Utah. His chemistry with Booker in pick-and-roll sets has been one of the few constants for Phoenix.
Role players have delivered flashes — Royce O’Neale has drained 11 threes in two games, and Collin Gillespie continues to distribute effectively (13 assists vs Utah). However, defense remains a major issue. The Suns have allowed 120+ points in four of five games, including 138 in their previous meeting with the Jazz.
Suns Injury Report
- Dillon Brooks (G/F) – Doubtful (Groin)
- Jalen Green (G) – Questionable (Hamstring)
- Eric Gordon (G) – Out (Rest)
- Bol Bol (F/C) – Out (Knee)
For longer-term player markets, see the NBA Most Improved Player odds predictions, where Mark Williams and Keyonte George are early-season risers.
Key Matchup / Path to Victory
- Lauri Markkanen vs Mark Williams: Markkanen’s perimeter versatility challenges Williams’ defensive range. If Phoenix can’t contain him early, it could spiral.
- Turnover Margin: Phoenix’s 21 giveaways against Memphis directly led to 37 opponent points. Utah’s active defense will pressure passing lanes again.
- Transition Defense: The Suns gave up 30+ fast-break points last time; limiting Utah’s pace is essential.
Utah thrives when dictating tempo, while Phoenix must emphasize ball security and half-court efficiency to avoid another shootout.
Betting Trends
- Jazz are 5-2 ATS in their last seven road games.
- Suns are 1-6 ATS in their last seven home games.
- Over is 8-2 in Utah’s last 10 games.
- Phoenix is 7-3 straight up in its last 10 home meetings vs Utah.
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Prediction
Utah’s offense is in top form, while Phoenix continues to struggle with turnovers and transition defense. Expect another high-scoring game, but the Jazz’s momentum and Markkanen’s dominance make them the better side to back.
Projected Score: Jazz 123, Suns 118
Best Bet: Jazz +3.5
Total Lean: Over 236
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