It didn’t take long for the Phoenix Suns to get their rematch against the Utah Jazz — this time on their home court and with NBA Cup implications.
Four days after their last-minute comeback was spoiled in overtime, the Suns host the Jazz on Friday night to tip off the third annual NBA Cup. Both squads will be vying for the top spot in West Group A, also including the Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings, and reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
Tipoff at Mortgage Matchup Center is set for 10:00 p.m. ET. Phoenix is a -155 home favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, with Utah listed as a +130 underdog. The total is set at 232.5 points.
Jazz vs. Suns Preview
Monday night was a roller coaster in Salt Lake City. What looked like an easy win over the Suns (1-4) nearly slipped away when the Jazz (2-2) blew a seven-point lead in the final 19 seconds to force overtime. Utah ultimately held off Phoenix, riding the hot hand of Lauri Markkanen, who erupted for a career-high 51 points with 14 rebounds, stretching his season averages to 34 points and 7.3 rebounds per game.
Markkanen’s mastery was just one of Utah’s three double-doubles from the evening. Keyonte George contributed 26 points and 10 assists, and Walker Kessler added 25 points, 11 boards, and four blocks. The Jazz now boast the fourth-best offensive rating in the NBA and a near top-10 net rating (11th).
The Suns, meanwhile, got a season-high 34 points from Devin Booker, 23 from Grayson Allen, and 25 points from Mark Williams, who also corralled 11 rebounds. Despite the loss, Monday arguably marked Phoenix’s best performance of the season. With Kevin Durant in Houston and Jalen Green (hamstring) and Dillon Brooks (groin) sidelined, the Suns currently rank in the bottom five in offensive (25th), defensive (28th), and net rating (27th).
Both teams enter Friday night fresh off heartbreaking losses. Utah fell to the Portland Trail Blazers, 136-134, after Jrue Holiday hit a pair of late free throws. The Suns dropped a 114-113 nailbiter to the Memphis Grizzlies when Ja Morant nailed a go-ahead jumper with less than ten seconds to go.
Jazz vs. Suns Pick, Best Bet
Without momentum swaying much in either direction, this game should play out similarly to their last encounter — without as many late-game theatrics.
Look no further than the rebounding department. The Jazz pace the NBA with 52 rebounds and 17 offensive boards per game. The Suns, meanwhile, allow the fifth-most offensive rebounds and lead the Western Conference in opponent second-chance points. This mismatch was on full display Monday night, when Utah dominated the rebounding battle, 64-48, with 33 second-chance points.
Count on the Jazz to make a statement in their NBA Cup opener with a convincing road upset.
