The Toronto Raptors are gearing up to host the Utah Jazz in a highly anticipated matchup at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on Saturday, December 23rd at 7:30 P.M. EST. Both teams are aiming for a much-needed win as they strive to improve their standings in their respective conferences.

Currently, the Raptors hold an 11-17 overall record this season, placing them in 12th position in the Eastern Conference. They are just one game behind the play-in game spots. The Utah Jazz, on the other hand, have a slightly worse record at 11-18, putting them in 11th place in the Western Conference. They trail behind the 10th-ranked Phoenix Suns by 3.5 games.

In their previous outing, the Jazz secured a notable victory, defeating the Detroit Pistons 119-111 on Thursday, December 21st. A standout performance by Kelly Olynyk, who scored 27 points and registered six assists, propelled Utah to the win. Collin Sexton also contributed significantly with 19 points and eight assists.

Leading the way in scoring for the Jazz this season is Lauri Markkanen, averaging an impressive 23.3 points per game. Markkanen is also dominant on the boards, leading the team with an average of 8.6 rebounds per game. However, the availability of Talen Horton-Tucker, Keyonte George, and Jordan Clarkson for the upcoming game remains in question.

Utah has been fairly consistent against the spread this season, with a 15-14 record. When playing on the road, they have struggled, going 5-11 against the spread. As underdogs, they maintain a 12-13 record against the spread. When it comes to total points, the over has hit in 16 out of 29 games played by the Jazz this season, including 8 out of 16 games played on the road.

In contrast, the Toronto Raptors have been facing a rough patch, losing seven out of their last nine games leading up to Saturday's clash. Toronto's recent struggles have placed them just one game away from the final play-in spot in the Eastern Conference. In their most recent game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday, December 22nd, the Raptors fell short, losing 121-111 despite Pascal Siakam's 31-point performance.

Siakam, averaging 21 points per game, remains the leading scorer for the Raptors. Additionally, Siakam's impressive playmaking abilities have seen him listed as the fifth-highest in assists in the franchise's history. Scottie Barnes has been a force on the glass for Toronto, averaging 9.2 rebounds per game, while Dennis Schroder leads the team in assists per game with 6.8.

When it comes to facing the spread, the Raptors have recorded a 13-15 record this season. They have been more successful at home, going 8-8 against the spread. Overall, Toronto's performance against the spread has been middling when playing at home.

As the two struggling teams prepare to battle it out on Saturday night, the Raptors hope to find their form and put an end to their recent losing streak. Meanwhile, the Jazz aim to capitalize on their recent victory and carry that momentum forward in hopes of securing a much-needed win in Toronto.

With both teams fighting for a playoff position, this clash promises to be an intense and closely contested matchup. However, based on recent performances and the Jazz's ability to cover the spread on the road, many experts predict that Utah will cover the spread and potentially come away with a victory.

This game serves as a crucial opportunity for both teams to make a statement and gain momentum as they approach the halfway mark of the NBA season. Fans can expect an exciting showdown as these two teams battle it out on the court in their quest for victory.