The Utah Jazz (18-44) will visit the Washington Wizards (16-45) in the NBA on Thursday night, with Trae Young set to make his debut for Washington in tonight's game. Tipoff from Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. is set for 7:00 p.m. ET on NBA League Pass.
The Wizards are 4-point favorites over the Jazz on the spread (Wizards -4), with the over/under set at 241 total points. Washington is a -165 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while Utah is +140 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Jazz vs. Wizards predictions and NBA picks for Thursday, March 5.
Jazz vs Wizards Prediction
Jazz vs Wizards picks: Wizards -4 (-110), Over 241 (-110)
My Wizards vs. Jazz best bets are on Washington to cover the spread and Over 241 total points. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Utah Jazz vs Washington Wizards Odds
| Jazz Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+4 -110 | 241 -110o / -110u | +140 |
| Wizards Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-4 -110 | 241 -110o / -110u | -165 |
Jazz vs Wizards NBA Thursday Preview
Welcome to the tank-off — except, the Wizards actually want to win this one.
Both teams are playing their 3rd game in the last four nights, with Utah playing on a back-to-back.
The Jazz already have sat out Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Jusuf Nurkic due to necessary surgeries and ailments.
Now, the Jazz will likely play even fewer guys in this rest spot.
The Jazz are two games “back” (they have more) in the win column from the Wizards. This is a big game for Utah's tanking hopes.
The jump from 5th to 4th is a 6% difference to stay in the top-four in the lottery; and +2.5 percentage points for the No. 1 pick.
The Wizards, meanwhile, have activated Trae Young ahead of tonight's game.
Young is not going to play many games for the Wizards, but this is a chance for the franchise and their new star point guard acquisition to say, “Hey, you might want to buy season tickets next year, this team might not suck.”
It’s a make-good spot for Young, who is looking for a multi-year, big-money deal this summer.
Jazz vs Wizards Picks, Betting Predictions
Spread: Wizards -4
Even without Kyshawn George, who will miss time with an elbow sprain, the Wizards will probably be the more talented team in this game, despite Utah being feisty.
I project the spread for tonight's matchup wider than Wizards -4.
The simple fact that this is a game where Washington is signaling it wants to win and Utah has a clear incentive to lose gives the Wizards value.
Total: Over 241
With the Wizards likely putting up a huge number with an honest-to-God NBA point guard on the floor and how much shooting they wield, combined with Utah’s likelihood to be turnover-prone with unconventional lineups littered with inexperienced players — I like the Over in tonight's matchup.
Some might tell you there’s something wrong with you if you bet on this game — and for sure, any tank-off has risk.
But, value is value — and the value is on the Wizards tonight.
Jazz vs Wizards Best Bets
- Wizards -4 (-110)
- Over 241 (-110)
Jazz vs Wizards Betting Trends
For the latest on NBA injuries, be sure to check out our NBA Injury Report page.
