Rockets vs Jazz Picks and Prediction – 3/30/2024

Tonight's tipoff features the Houston Rockets, sitting 11th in the Western Conference with a 37-35 record, against the Utah Jazz, who are 12th at 29-44. Both teams clash at 9:30 PM ET on March 29th at the Delta Center, marking a crucial game for Houston in the conference standings. Score big in the NBA with our insider NBA pi

The Rockets, aiming to move up in the conference standings, come off a mixed bag of results but have shown toughness, especially at home with a 26-11 record. Despite key injuries, including Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams, Houston's roster has stepped up. Recently, the Rockets demonstrated offensive firepower, notably in a 147-119 rout against Utah, with Jalen Green dropping a staggering 37 points. 

This performance, coupled with rebounding strength (3rd in the NBA with 46.0 rebounds per game) and defensive efficiency (10th in points allowed), illustrates a team finding its rhythm at the right time. However, Houston’s three-point shooting accuracy sits at 22nd, a potential area of concern against Utah's defense.

Utah, despite its struggles, cannot be underestimated, especially with Lauri Markkanen leading the charge, averaging 23.2 points per game. The Jazz's offensive output is decent, ranking 11th in points per game, but the defense has been an Achilles' heel, ranking 28th in points allowed. 

Recent form has been wanting, with a series of losses including a heavy defeat to Houston. Utah's rebounding (4th in the NBA) and free-throw percentage (1st in the NBA at 83.0%) are strengths, but poor defense from beyond the arc (30th in 3PT% allowed) might be exploited by Houston's shooters.