Jazz vs. Raptors Odds & Betting Predictions - March 8, 2025

@Steakfriend123

#Tailing @PropBomb

“When we look at our team, we’ve got to think about long-term, ..the big picture is we’ve got to build from within, we’ve got to develop our young guys and put them in situations to learn, to be successful, and learn from it.” - Darko Rajakovic Three days after the team raised eyebrows by pulling its four prominent starters the final minutes in a tight game vs. Orlando, it’s been clear that the Raptor’s coach main objective to close the final 20 games is not winning games, but playing the younger talent and putting them in key moment situations to gain experience. One player that fits this discription is 1st round pick Ja’Kobe Walter- who’s just coming off a buzzer-beater with at an all-time confidence high. In what’s going to be a tank off vs. the Utah Jazz tonight, Walter should look to continue momentum as five key rotational pieces: RJ Barrett, Ochai Agbaji, Gradey Dick, Jakob Poeltl, Jonathan Mogbo, and now Chris Boucher are all ruled out- along with Davion, Olynyk, Bruce who were all traded a month ago. Aside from IQ and Scottie, Walter now finds himself as the 3rd best scoring option- which is way too low for a 13.5 point line. Along with taking 30% of his shots in a difficult spot vs. Orlando, this matchup vs. Utah should be significantly better, and with Barrett (the lead-driver) out, I think we can get some more penetration upside, which is great for other ways of scoring and higher-% baskets. The Raptors have an implied team total of 118.5 points, and with the lack of talent outside of maybe Orlando Robinson, Shead, and Lawson/Battle, there should be enough volume to get the rookie to for 14 points, in what’s clearly a development spot the coach is leaning on to close the season. #PlayerProps

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Toronto has a major edge at home – Utah has lost 10 straight road games and struggles on defense, allowing 119.8 PPG (29th in NBA). Raptors have won two straight and return home after a tight road win. Jazz missing key players (Markkanen, Sexton, Clarkson), relying on young, unproven talent. Toronto should control the game with more firepower. Jazz defense is a disaster – they allow 47.7 FG%, 35.9 3P%, and struggle contesting shots. Raptors shoot 46.5 FG% and 35.6 3P%, and they just hit 127 points against Phoenix at home. Utah also gives up 58 points in the paint per game, and Toronto has the size to dominate inside. Poeltl and Barrett should feast on a weak interior. Toronto’s defense is better than Utah’s in nearly every category – Raptors allow 116.1 PPG, but Utah gives up 121 PPG on the road. Jazz have also given up 125+ points in back-to-back games. With Jazz missing key scorers, their offense should struggle. Toronto is trending up, Jazz are in a freefall. Raptors -5.5 is the clear play.