| January 6, 2022, 6:42 PM
The Toronto Raptors will be looking to extend their current straight-up winning streak to five games when they play host to the Utah Jazz on Friday night as opening 3-point home underdogs on the NBA odds at sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark.com.
Toronto returns home after posting a 117-111 win over the defending NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks, and has now scored an average of 120.5 points per game in the team's four wins ahead of Friday night's matchup at Scotiabank Arena.
In addition to lifting the team above .500 for the first time since the middle of November, the Raptors' current surge has generated steady payouts at the sportsbooks. The Raptors have now posted against-the-spread victories at online betting sites in 11 of their past 13 contests, including in each of their past seven home games.
Toronto has not fared as well when set as home underdogs, though, covering just once during a lengthy 10-game SU losing streak that dates back to last April. However, considering the team's steady defensive performance during their current win streak, things could change on Friday. The Raptors have surrendered just 107 points per game during their current 4-0 run, and Toronto has also received consistent offensive production from two of its biggest stars.
Pascal Siakam led all shooters with 33 points in Wednesday's victory over the Bucks, and has also recorded double-doubles in three of his past four outings. Fred VanVleet has also wasted no time regaining his form since returning to action after a recent battle with COVID-19, averaging 29.5 points over his past four appearances.
The Jazz are also enjoying a steady run as they continue their current five-game road trip in Toronto on Friday night. Utah faced little resistance while tallying wins in the first two dates on its current junket, capped by a 115-109 victory in Denver on Wednesday as a 1-point underdog. Overall, the Jazz have won SU in eight of their past nine overall, and have been dominant during a 10-game SU win streak on the road.
The Jazz's recent surge has lifted them to within striking distance of first place in the Western Conference standings, and has added value to their position as a +1100 wager on the NBA championship odds. In addition, the Jazz have topped Toronto in three straight meetings, capped by a decisive 119-103 victory in Utah on November 18. However, Utah has struggled to generate consistent results for bettors while going 3-8 ATS in its past 11 overall contests.
