New York Knicks vs Utah Jazz – Preview & Prediction (Dec. 05, 2025)

Team form and match-up

The Knicks had a rough start to the season but have bounced back in recent weeks. After some early losses they found their footing and went on a winning run, climbing near the top of the Eastern Conference. Their recent games have shown better balance on both ends of the floor, and they’ve been defending well enough to control games when their offense is clicking. Jalen Brunson and the supporting cast have been important in keeping the team competitive night to night.

The Jazz have surprised a few people this season by being tougher than many expected. They’re not loaded with star power, but they play hard and have been competitive enough to remain in the play-in conversation in a crowded West. Utah has put together a few encouraging wins recently, including a strong late-quarter performance in their latest game where Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George stepped up to close out the contest.

Injuries, head-to-head and prediction

Head-to-head last season was split, with each team taking one meeting. That suggests these matchups can go either way depending on form and availability.

Injury notes heading into this game: Landry Shamet is out for the Knicks, while OG Anunoby and Kevin McCullar Jr. are listed as questionable. For the Jazz, Georges Niang and Walker Kessler are out, and Jusuf Nurkic and Kevin Love are questionable.

Final thought: the Knicks look like clear favorites at home. Utah has momentum and plays with energy, but New York’s defense and deeper rotation should be the deciding factors. Expect the Knicks to control the game and cover a sizable spread.

Tip-off: Friday, 7:30 p.m. EST, December 5th

Prediction: New York Knicks -13.5

Suggested stake: 1 unit (odds referenced at publication time)