The Detroit Pistons, one of the worst teams in the NBA so far this season, hosted the Utah Jazz on Tuesday. The Jazz, who were coming off of a big loss from Monday night, won the game in a contest that was not close at the final buzzer. They put up a comfortable double-digit spread in the game, winning by 15 points. The final score was Utah 126, and Detroit 111.
Jazz @ Pistons Tuesday: Lauri Markkanen scores 38
This was a game that we had a recommendation on. The way we saw it in our preview, the Jazz were going to win this game at odds of -160. That recommendation worked out for our readers on an evening when we went 2-1-1 (corrected).
With the loss, the Pistons are now 8-25 on the season. This loss, in particular, speaks poorly to the team and their abilities. After all, the Jazz were on the road, they had just played on the previous evening, and Utah should have been ripe for the pickings for a better-rested Detroit team.
However, Detroit's inability to even keep the game close is a bit discrediting. The Pistons are a team that needs to be looked at as potentially finishing the season with NBA's worst record.
Utah trying to turn the page on a poor stretch
Meanwhile, the Jazz improved to 18-16 with the 15-point victory. The top scorer in the game was Lauri Markkanen. He had 38 points in the game and went +20 on point differential to lead all starters.
The Jazz have been an up-and-down team and it will be interesting to see if they can turn the page on a time in their season when they have not been at their best. If Markannen and Mike Conley stay healthy, the Jazz should be a tough team to beat on most nights. They did, however, play the last two games without their starting center, Kelly Olynyk (ankle).
Next up for Utah is a game on Thursday, December 22nd hosting the Washington Wizards. This is one of the coldest teams in the NBA and Utah will be keen to win their second straight. For the Pistons, there is no rest for the weary as they will play against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday. Philly is a large favorite in that game with bet365, set at -11.5.
Further reading: NBA Power Rankings
