Utah Jazz vs. Indiana Pacers: Game Preview and Prediction, April 04,2025
The Utah Jazz (16-61) are set to face the Indiana Pacers (45-31) on Friday, April 4, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET. The Pacers are heavily favored in this matchup, reflecting their strong season performance compared to the Jazz's struggles.
Betting Odds and Lines
Spread: Pacers -15.5
Moneyline: Pacers -450, Jazz +350
Total Points (Over/Under): 235.5
These odds indicate a significant advantage for the Pacers, aligning with their superior record and recent form.
Team Performance and Standings
Indiana Pacers: The Pacers are currently fourth in the Eastern Conference, boasting a 45-31 record. They have been in solid form, aiming to secure a favorable playoff position as the regular season winds down.
Utah Jazz: Conversely, the Jazz are at the bottom of the Western Conference with a 16-61 record. They are on an 18-game road losing streak and have struggled throughout the season.
Injury Reports
Indiana Pacers:
Pascal Siakam (PF): Questionable due to right elbow bursitis.
Aaron Nesmith (SF): Questionable with right ankle soreness.
Bennedict Mathurin (SG): Questionable because of a calf injury.
Isaiah Jackson (SF): Out for the season following a torn Achilles suffered earlier in the season.
Utah Jazz:
Walker Kessler (C): Out due to a nasal fracture and concussion protocol.
John Collins (PF): Out with a left ankle sprain; scheduled for re-evaluation in one week as of April 2.
Lauri Markkanen (PF): Out for left knee injury management; set for re-evaluation in 7-to-10 days from April 2.
Cody Williams (F): Out for the season after testing positive for mononucleosis.
Jordan Clarkson (PG): Out for the remainder of the season following a procedure to address left plantar fasciitis.
Taylor Hendricks (F): Out for the season due to a right fibula fracture.
Elijah Harkless (G): Out, currently assigned to the G League on a two-way contract.
Micah Potter (C): Out, currently assigned to the G League on a two-way contract.
Oscar Tshiebwe (C): Out, currently assigned to the G League on a two-way contract.
Key Players to Watch
Indiana Pacers:
Tyrese Haliburton (PG): Averaging 20.1 points and 10.2 assists per game, Haliburton is the engine of the Pacers' offense.
Myles Turner (C): Contributing 17.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game, Turner's presence in the paint is significant.
Utah Jazz:
Collin Sexton (PG): With several key players out, Sexton has taken on a larger scoring role, averaging 18.3 points per game.
Ochai Agbaji (SG): The rookie is gaining valuable experience, contributing 9.2 points per game.
Statistical Comparison
Offense:
Pacers: Average 115.6 points per game, ranking 10th in the league.
Jazz: Average 107.4 points per game, ranking 27th in the league.
Defense:
Pacers: Allow 112.3 points per game, ranking 15th in the league.
Jazz: Allow 118.9 points per game, ranking 29th in the league.
Betting Trends and Insights
Against the Spread (ATS):
Pacers: Have a 39-37 ATS record this season.
Jazz: Hold a 25-50 ATS record, reflecting their struggles throughout the season.
Over/Under:
The total has gone under in 6 of the Pacers' last 10 games.
The total has gone over in 7 of the Jazz's last 10 games.
Game Analysis and Prediction
The Pacers enter this matchup with a clear advantage, both in terms of season performance and current roster health. Their balanced offense and solid defense position them well against a Jazz team that has struggled on both ends of the floor.
The Jazz's extensive injury list further hampers their competitiveness, particularly with key contributors like Clarkson, Markkanen, and Kessler sidelined. This places additional pressure on younger players and less experienced members of the roster.
Considering the current form, injury reports, and statistical comparisons, the Pacers are expected to secure a comfortable victory in this matchup. The significant point spread reflects this expectation.
Prediction: Pacers win, covering the spread.
Betting Tip: Consider taking the Pacers -15.5 and the under on total points, given the Jazz's offensive struggles and the Pacers' solid defense.
For more expert picks and betting insights, Sign up for 30 days free Bettor Center’s subscription for premium betting analysis!