Rockets vs Jazz Prediction, Odds & Game Preview 4/2/2025

The red-hot Houston Rockets (49-27) welcome the injury-plagued Utah Jazz (16-60) to Toyota Center Wednesday night in what could be a serious mismatch given the Jazz have dropped 16 of their last 17 games while playing without key contributors Markkanen, Collins, and potentially Kessler.

Houston's fourth-ranked defense should pose major problems for a Utah squad that's struggled to break 110 points during their six-game losing streak, though the Jazz's eighth-fastest pace in the NBA could create enough possessions to keep things interesting.

The battle on the boards looks particularly lopsided with the Rockets recently dominating the offensive glass (league-best 22.9 second-chance points) against a Jazz team ranked 29th in rim defense as Houston Rockets vs Utah Jazz tips off at 8:00 PM EST.

Best NBA sportsbook promos

Houston Rockets vs. Utah Jazz preview

The red-hot Rockets welcome the struggling Jazz to Toyota Center Wednesday night in what could be a complete mismatch on paper – Houston's riding high with 12 wins in their last 14 while Utah has dropped 16 of 17 and currently endures a six-game skid.

With Lauri Markkanen, Jordan Clarkson, and John Collins all sidelined, the Jazz have become a skeleton crew relying heavily on youngsters like Keyonte George, who dropped 20 points off the bench against Charlotte despite shooting just 35% from the floor.

Houston's defensive prowess (ranked 4th in adjusted defensive rating) should pose serious problems for a Jazz offense that's been unable to crack 110 points during their losing streak and is coming off a 14-for-52 brick festival from downtown against the Hornets.

Keep an eye on Amen Thompson, who's looking more confident by the game for Houston, coming off a 20-point performance against the Lakers while shooting an efficient 57%.

The Rockets' dominance on the offensive glass (league-best 22.9 second-chance points recently) could spell disaster for a Utah team ranked 29th in rim defense and desperately missing Walker Kessler's interior presence if he can't suit up.

While Fred VanVleet struggled mightily last game (2-for-14 shooting), the Rockets' balanced attack featuring Jalen Green's scoring (21.5 PPG) and Alperen Sengun's all-around game (19.1 PPG, 10.4 RPG) should overwhelm a Jazz squad allowing a dismal 120.1 points per game (29th in NBA).

This matchup marks the rubber match in their season series – they've split their previous encounters with Utah taking a 124-115 victory in February before Houston returned the favor 121-110 in late March.

Given the trajectory of both squads and the Jazz's horrific 15-game road losing streak against Western Conference opponents, expect the Toyota Center crowd to witness another dominant home performance from the surging Rockets.