Utah Jazz vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Picks and Predictions, Monday, January 12th, 2026
Use Code WWWC The Utah Jazz (13-25) and the Cleveland Cavaliers (22-18) meet up in a non-conference showdown on Monday night in this Jazz vs. Cavaliers prediction. This is their first of two matchups this season, as they will not play again until late March. Utah is coming off a historically poor performance, losing 150-95 at home against Charlotte as just 5.5-point underdogs. Cleveland is fresh off a high scoring shootout against Minnesota where they won 146-134 as 2.5-point home favorites. Tipoff is set for 7:00 EST. Keep reading to see our Jazz vs. Cavaliers prediction, and check out all of our winning NBA Picks
Utah Needs to Rebound
The Utah Jazz have been near the bottom of the NBA standings over the past several seasons, but losing by 55 points to the Hornets is a new low for the franchise. The team was low on talent for this matchup, as their star player, Lauri Markkanen, was out due to rest, and Walker Kessler is still out as he will miss the entire season with a shoulder injury. The Jazz have plenty of young talent, but a lot of work to do if they want to make it into the Play-In Tournament, as they are currently 13th in the Western Conference.
Markkanen sat out their last game against Charlotte for rest, so it is likely that he will play here. He is their top player, and an interesting trade piece if the franchise is willing to deal him to a competitor for draft picks. Markkanen is getting 27.9 PPG and 7.0 RPG on the year, while knocking down 2.9 threes per game as a 7'1 forward. Keyonte George continues to improve and prove his worth in the league, the 22-year old guard is getting 23.6 PPG and 6.9 APG on the year. Jusuf Nurkic has stepped in for Kessler, he is getting 10.4 PPG and 9.8 RPG, but is listed as a game time decision after sitting out against Charlotte.
Brice Sensabaugh was their top scorer against the Hornets, he had 26 points but is only averaging 10.2 PPG on the year. Ace Bailey is their 19-year old prospect, he also sat out against Charlotte. Utah is ranked 22nd in offensive efficiency and 30th in defensive efficiency according to dunksandthrees.com. The Jazz play at a fast pace, ranking 2nd in the league in pace of play.
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Cavaliers Explode on Offense
The Cleveland Cavaliers are coming off a game where they scored 146 points against the defensive minded Minnesota Timberwolves. Cleveland split their two consecutive games against Minnesota, but scored 47 points in the fourth quarter of their most recent game to come away with the win. They are currently 6th in the tightly contested Eastern Conference as we approach the All-Star Break. In their recent win over Minnesota, they were led by Donovan Mitchell with 28 points and eight assists in the win.
Mitchell is their top scorer and outside shooter, averaging 29.8 PPG and 3.9 threes per game. He shares the ball-handling duties with Darius Garland, as Mitchell is still averaging 5.6 APG to go with his 4.7 RPG. Mitchell has scored 28 or more in each of his last five games. Garland is his backcourt partner, he is getting 17.7 PPG and a team high 6.9 APG on the year. Evan Mobley is their best frontcourt player, he can defend multiple positions and is contributing 18.0 PPG and 8.6 RPG.
Jarrett Allen is their starting center getting 13.9 PPG and 8.1 RPG in the middle. Their fifth starting spot has alternated between De'Andre Hunter, Sam Merrill and Jaylon Tyson. Cleveland is ranked 2nd in offensive efficiency and 12th in defensive efficiency. They play slightly slower than Utah, but still rank 9th in the league in possessions per game.
Injury Report for Jazz vs. Cavaliers:
Jazz:
- Out: Walker Kessler
- Questionable: Lauri Markkanen, Ace Bailey, Jusuf Nurkic
Cavaliers:
- Out: Max Strus
- Questionable: Dean Wade
Jazz vs. Cavaliers Picks and Predictions
Spread pick for Jazz vs. Cavaliers
- Jazz to cover (5 units)
It takes a lot of courage to bet on Utah after they lost their last game by 55 points, but the secret to gambling is finding the right spot that may not be obvious to the public. Utah is not a strong team, but they are 10th in the league against the spread, as they often get value with points as a dog. They got run off the floor against Charlotte, but Markkanen, Nurkic and Bailey all did not play. None of those players are battling major injuries, and Markkanen was only out for rest. Expect the Jazz to have a much stronger lineup here, and they will get value with points on the road here.
Take the Jazz to cover.
Over/Under Pick for Jazz vs. Cavaliers
- Over (4 units)
Utah was out three of their top scorers in their last game, but all are expected to return here, which will change the dynamic of this game. Markkanen is one of the best scorers in the league, whether the general public knows it or not. Utah ranks 2nd in the league in pace of play, they know they do not have a strong defense, so they try to outscore their opponents in shootouts. Cleveland is top ten in the league in tempo, and have Mitchell and Garland both healthy which will help them to continue pushing the pace. Utah just gave up 150 points to Charlotte, expect another high scoring game here.
Take the over.
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