Houston Rockets vs Utah Jazz Prediction and Picks - December 1, 2025
NBA action on Monday evening, and we have a Houston Rockets vs Utah Jazz prediction locked and loaded for you. This is the 2nd of BB games between these teams in Salt Lake. Houston won game one yesterday by a score of 129-101. Houston is now 13-4 on the year, while Utah dropped to a disappointing 6-13. Read on to see our Rockets vs Jazz prediction.
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Rockets Take Game One Easily
The Rockets came out firing in Salt Lake City yesterday, cruising to a 129-101 win over the Jazz in the first leg of BB games here in Salt Lake. Kevin Durant returned from a two-game absence and dropped 25 points, while Alperen Sengun led all scorers with 27. Steven Adams was a force off the bench with 13 points and 12 rebounds, and Amen Thompson dished out nine assists to keep the offense humming. Houston forced 17 turnovers and turned them into 22 points, showing off the defensive pressure that has made them one of the league’s most complete teams.
Offensively, Houston has been elite all season, averaging 121.6 points per game (4th in the NBA) while shooting 48.2% from the field (10th) and a blistering 40.6% from three (2nd). Sengun’s versatility in the post and Durant’s ability to score from anywhere make them a nightmare to defend, while Jabari Smith Jr. and Jalen Green stretch defenses with perimeter shooting. The Rockets also lead the league in rebounding at 49.4 per game, giving them second-chance opportunities and control of the tempo. Their free-throw shooting sits at 78.3% (17th), solid enough to close games when opponents try to extend possessions late.
Defensively, Houston has been just as impressive, allowing only 109.9 points per game (2nd) and holding opponents to 45.3% shooting (5th). They rank first in opponent free-throw percentage (74.1%) and first in rebounding defense (38.2 per game), which means they rarely give away easy points. Clint Capela and Adams provide rim protection and toughness inside, while Durant and Thompson add length on the perimeter. Against Utah, Houston’s ability to force turnovers and limit second-chance looks should again tilt the matchup in their favor.
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The Struggles Continue For The Jazz
Utah’s most recent game was that 129-101 loss to Houston on November 30, where Ace Bailey led the Jazz with 19 points and Lauri Markkanen added 18 and eight rebounds. Jusuf Nurkic chipped in 14 points, nine assists, and six boards, but the Jazz couldn’t overcome Houston’s defensive pressure. Keyonte George had a rough night, going 0-for-6 from the field and committing eight turnovers, which highlighted Utah’s struggles against elite defenses. The Jazz fell to 6-13 with the defeat, continuing a tough stretch in the Northwest Division.
Offensively, Utah averages 117.7 points per game (16th) while shooting 45.2% from the field (23rd) and just 33.2% from three (27th). Markkanen remains their most reliable scorer, while Bailey has shown flashes of star potential with his ability to create shots. Nurkic’s passing from the post gives them another dimension, but the Jazz often struggle when perimeter shots aren’t falling. Their free-throw shooting is strong at 81.8% (6th), and they rebound well at 46.0 per game (7th), which helps them stay competitive even when shooting percentages dip.
Defensively, Utah has been one of the league’s weakest units, allowing 125.4 points per game (29th) and opponents to shoot 48.7% from the field (26th). They give up 37.1% from three (25th) and rank 19th in opponent free-throw percentage (79.8%), which makes it difficult to slow down high-powered offenses like Houston’s. While Markkanen and Nurkic provide size inside, the Jazz lack consistent perimeter defenders, and their rotations often leave shooters open. For Utah to have a chance in the rematch, they’ll need to take care of the ball, limit turnovers, and find a way to slow Houston’s transition game.
Houston Rockets vs Utah Jazz Pick
Rockets vs Jazz Spread Pick
- Houston -12 (5 Units)
Houston -12 looks like the right side because the Rockets completely controlled the first leg of this home-and-home, beating Utah 129-101 with balanced scoring and suffocating defense. Alperen Sengun and Kevin Durant combined for over 50 points, while Steven Adams and Amen Thompson gave them toughness and playmaking. Houston is averaging 121.6 points per game (4th in the NBA) and shooting 48.2% from the field (10th), with an elite 40.6% from three (2nd). They also lead the league in rebounding at 49.4 per game, which gives them extra possessions and allows them to dictate tempo. Against a Jazz team that just coughed up 17 turnovers and shot poorly from deep, the Rockets’ offensive efficiency and depth should again prove overwhelming.
Defensively, Houston has been one of the best units in the league, allowing only 109.9 points per game (2nd) while holding opponents to 45.3% shooting (5th). Their ability to contest shots and dominate the glass (38.2 defensive rebounds per game, 1st) makes it difficult for opponents to find rhythm. Utah, meanwhile, has been one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA, giving up 125.4 points per game (29th) and allowing opponents to shoot nearly 49% from the field (26th). With the Rockets’ balance on both ends and Utah’s defensive struggles, Houston has every advantage to cover the -12 again, especially at home where their pace and efficiency tend to shine.
Rockets vs Jazz Over/Under Pick
- Under 232.5 (4 Units)
The Under 232.5 makes sense here because Houston’s defense has been one of the best in the league, holding opponents to just 109.9 points per game (2nd) and limiting them to 45.3% shooting (5th), while Utah’s offense has been inconsistent and just managed 101 points in the first leg of this home-and-home. The Rockets control tempo with their rebounding dominance (49.4 per game, 1st) and rarely give up second-chance looks, while the Jazz shoot only 33.2% from three (27th), which makes it tough to keep pace. Even though Houston can score at will, their defensive structure, combined with Utah’s inefficiency, sets up for a game that stays below the 232.5 total.
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