Lauri Markkanen’s strong showing against his previous team helped the Utah Jazz edge out the Chicago Bulls in a double-overtime thriller earlier this season. However, Markkanen is now doubtful for Utah’s upcoming game against Chicago on Wednesday due to illness, presenting a challenge for the Jazz as they continue their five-game road trip. The 28-year-old forward, who spent his first four NBA seasons with the Bulls, was instrumental in scoring 47 points during Utah’s 150-147 home victory over Chicago on November 16. Currently averaging 27.9 points per game, Markkanen scored 28 points in Utah’s season opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday, despite Keyontae George leading the team with 32 points in that matchup. Without Markkanen, Utah may need to find new ways to maintain offensive momentum.
The Utah Jazz (14-25) aim to secure their third win in four games after a tough five-game losing streak, while the Chicago Bulls (18-21) hope to recover from a 119-113 loss to the Houston Rockets, marking their fourth defeat in five games. Bulls guard Tre Jones posted a career-high 34 points, and Chicago has had success at home, winning three of their last four games.
Wednesday’s NBA schedule also features six other games, including a 7 p.m. ET clash between the Cleveland Cavaliers (22-19) and Philadelphia 76ers (22-16) at Xfinity Mobile Arena. The Cavaliers beat the 76ers 132-121 at home earlier this season and will visit Philadelphia again on Friday.
In the NHL, the Philadelphia Flyers (22-14-8) visit the Buffalo Sabers (24-16-4) at 7:30 p.m. ET at KeyBank Center. The Sabers had an impressive 13 wins in 14 games before a recent 4-3 loss to the defending champion Florida Panthers. Meanwhile, the Flyers are enduring a rough patch with three straight losses, including a recent 0-2-1 record on a four-game homestand.
College basketball action on Wednesday includes an American Conference matchup between Rice (7-10) and Texas-San Antonio (4-12) at 8 p.m. ET. Both teams are struggling: the Roadrunners are on a nine-game losing streak, and Rice has lost four of their last five games.
Current NBA betting lines favor the Bulls by 4.5 points over the Jazz and the 76ers by 1.5 points over the Cavaliers. The Sabers are favored at -142 on the money line against the Flyers, while Rice is a 6.5-point favorite versus Texas-San Antonio.
Recommended NBA viewing and betting tips for Wednesday, January 14:
Cavaliers vs. 76ers: Tip-off at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN, streaming on Fubo with a free trial. Model favors the Cavaliers at -104, with expert pick on Joel Embiid scoring 25.5+ points (-118). Recent trends show the Cavaliers winning two of their last three games on the road, while the 76ers have faltered at home.
Jazz at Bulls: Game starts at 8 p.m. ET on NBA League Pass, streaming on Fubo with a free trial. Models favor the Bulls at -181 with an expert pick backing Matas Bouselis for 17.5+ points (-106), especially with Markkanen’s questionable status impacting the Jazz.
NHL viewing and betting recommendations:
- Sabers vs. Flyers: Begins at 7:30 p.m. ET on TNT, streaming on Fubo (free trial). Despite the Sabers’ 65% winning chance in simulations, expert Todd Fuhrman sides with the Flyers (+122), praising their stronger defensive capabilities.
College basketball recommendation:
- Rice vs. Texas-San Antonio: Tip-off at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN+, streaming on Fubo. Models lean towards Texas-San Antonio +6.5 (-112) with an expert pick favoring under 145.5 points (-110), citing low shooting percentages from both teams.
Fan Take:
This matchup highlights how critical player health is in shaping NBA outcomes, particularly when key scorers like Lauri Markkanen are sidelined. For hockey fans, the intense Sabers vs. Flyers game underlines the sport’s unpredictability and the importance of defensive play in breaking losing streaks—factors that keep the NHL thrilling all season long.
