After trading stars Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell in the offseason, little was expected from the Utah Jazz in 2022-23. The Jazz defied expectations and came out of the gates strong at the start of the season. However, they’ve sunk back to reality after their hot start, including a 5-11 downslide in December.
Their poor play continued in early January, going 1-3 to start the month, but they have now steadied the ship a bit. The Jazz are 5-4 since January 8th, an improvement that coincides with increased playing time for Walker Kessler after Kelly Olynk went down with a sprained ankle. According to Jazz beat reporter Eric Walden, Olynk could return to the Jazz’s lineup in their next game, which would have an impact on NBA prop bets and other NBA betting markets.
The Utah Jazz and Dallas Mavericks tip off at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday night, so NBA bettors will have to monitor Olynk’s status before putting in prop bets, or even making bets on the spread or total. For bettors looking for the sharpest lines and best analysis, the OddsShopper tools are the place to look. Subscribe to sharpen your skills at finding positive expected bets on the NBA, or any sport.
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Kelly Olynk Injury Update – NBA Betting Impact
The Utah Jazz acquired Kelly Olynk from the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Bojan Bogdanovic. With the Jazz in rebuild mode, Olynk’s ability to provide steady minutes in the frontcourt made sense. He has kept the seat warm for first round draft pick Walker Kessler.
Kessler has started fourteen games this season, including the last eight. The rookie out of Auburn has not disappointed since getting the opportunity for increased playing time. Kessler has consistently posted double-doubles, including a 20 point, 21 rebound outburst on January 16th against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
If Olynk does not start on Saturday night against the Dallas Mavericks, Walker Kessler should have no problem putting up strong stat lines. However, if Olynk starts or if it is announced that he will play a large role, there could be opportunity to bet the under on Kessler’s prop lines.
The Mavericks could be without superstar Luka Doncic who sprained his ankle in the team’s last game against the Phoenix Suns. Doncic suffered the injury in the first quarter and did not return. Olynk’s situation won’t have a huge impact on the spread and total, but if Doncic does not play, NBA bettors can look for value depending on how the market reacts.
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Jazz-Mavericks NBA Betting & DFS Advice
Olynk and Kessler are reasonably priced on DraftKings if they receive a steady workload. They come in at $5,100 and $5,600, respectively. Olynk could be a solid value play on FanDuel at his $4,900 price tag. He also has PF/C eligibility on the site. It will be more difficult to roster Kessler in any scenario. He has a $6,800 price tag on FanDuel and is only playable in the C slot.
NBA DFS players should watch the news cycle to see if clarity on Olynk and Kessler’s playing time emerges. Depending on what news breaks on the rest of the slate, either big man could become a solid option on Saturday night’s slate.
Bettors who think Olynk is playing should head to DraftKings to search for value on Utah Jazz prop lines, especially in categories like rebounds and blocks that could be affected by having another big man on the court. Those new to DraftKings can earn $200 in bonus bets with a $5 wager. Bettors in Ohio can score the same deal but via this link instead!
The legal gambling age is 21+ in most states. Gambling Problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER.
