New York Knicks vs Utah Jazz Predictions, Betting Odds, Picks

• The New York Knicks have dropped their last two games, and have gone just 2-8 over their last 10 games.
• The Utah Jazz have won their last two games, but have dropped 11 of their last 15 games overall.
• The Knicks and Jazz split their season series last year.

New York Knicks vs Utah Jazz Odds

Odds provided by Caesars Sportsbook.

New York Knicks vs Utah Jazz Predictions and Pick

The New York Knicks’ inconsistent defence has helped teams right back into the game, despite their explosive offence. Seemingly back on track, the Jazz should be able to keep the Knicks offence at bay while taking advantage of their rather porous defence.

Pick:

Utah Jazz def. New York Knicks

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Head-to-Head: New York Knicks vs Utah Jazz

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How Can the Knicks beat the Jazz?

At this point in the season, it’s probably too late to think the Knicks are going to be able to become a strong defensive team. However when they play the Jazz, they’ll have at least one key area where they can compete.

The Jazz have been on quite the poor run of form over the past few weeks, and their glaring weakness in the middle must be exploited. In losses, the Jazz average just 42.2 rebounds per game compared to 48.2 in victories.

The Knicks, who average 45.8 rebounds per game, certainly have the personnel to compete. If Gobert isn’t available, it’ll be all the better for them.

Knicks Key Player: (G-F) RJ Barrett

RJ Barrett ERUPTED to set a new career-high (36 PTS) in Los Angeles, including multiple CLUTCH buckets to force OT @RJBarrett6: 36 PTS, 8 REB, 5 AST pic.twitter.com/MMwccZxGqG

— NBA (@NBA) February 6, 2022

Despite the Knicks losing in their last game, they received another great performance out of sophomore star RJ Barrett. As the season has progressed, Barrett has shown that he may be the uncrowned star of the New York Knicks.

In the Knicks’ 115-122 loss to the Lakers, Barrett posted 36 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists in 49 minutes of play. While he struggled in the overtime period, Barrett carried the Knicks through the initial 48 minutes.

Barrett hasn’t been hyper-efficient from the field, so his shooting will be put to the test. His willingness to get on the glass is a good sign, and his playmaking is underrated as is. The Jazz should provide an exciting challenge for the Knicks star.

How Can the Jazz Beat the Knicks?

The Utah Jazz may be missing some key members in their meeting with the Knicks, but it’ll be no excuse for a loss. If they want to take down New York, they’ll need to maintain their defensive standards – especially in the paint.

In victories, the Jazz’s defensive focus is difficult to overcome. They allow their opponents to shoot just 43.2% from the field and 31.7% from three-point range in wins, while forcing just over 11 turnovers per game as well.

The New York Knicks will be aggressive when they take on the Jazz, especially with the possibility of Rudy Gobert missing the game. If Utah can continue to protect the paint, they should be able to overcome the Knicks despite being shorthanded.

Jazz Key Player: (G) Donovan Mitchell

about last night …#SloMoPlay | @udo_llc pic.twitter.com/GX1MpluQ5O

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 5, 2022

The Utah Jazz are on a solid two-game winning streak, and Donovan Mitchell looked great in his first game back after 8 games out due to injury. Against the Knicks, Mitchell will have another opportunity to get back on track offensively.

In his last game, a blowout victory over the Brooklyn Nets, Mitchell posted 27 points, 6 assists, and 3 rebounds on 8 of 10 shooting from the field. He was ultra-efficient from three-point range as well, converting on 6 of his 7 three-point attempts.

The New York Knicks have struggled to contain solid offensive schemes and Utah have the best offense in the league. Mitchell’s scoring looked great in his last game, but with the focus on him his playmaking will be put to the test next.

How to Watch New York Knicks vs Utah Jazz