I'm taking Jazz +16.5 because Houston's absences cut into both its guard rotation and its backup centers.
Marcus Smart starts his suspension Friday. Steven Adams and Clint Capela are also out.
Houston has fewer rotation options against Utah's young scorers. Darryn Peterson scored 22 against Orlando on Wednesday. Brice Sensabaugh added 19 off the bench.
Utah's last five losses, from Nov. 4-11, came by 7, 12, 15, 6 and 15 points. Three were on the road, and every margin fit inside this handicap.