THE Utah Jazz hope to complete a season sweep against the Miami heat when they take them on Saturday. Utah surprised Miami on December 30 with a 117-109 victory. The Jazz will look to repeat behind Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson in the rematch.
After an impressive 5-1 road trip where their only loss was against the Denver Nuggets, the Heat will host the struggling Jazz. Miami continues to deal with injuries but is doing well despite the disadvantage. Erik Spoelstra will continue to lean on Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Terry Rozier and rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr.
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The Jazz are coming off back-to-back losses to the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday and the Orlando Magic on Thursday. Their attack, which has been anemic in the two defeats, will have to measure up against the in-form South Beach team.
Utah Jazz vs Miami Heat: Preview, Predictions and Betting Tips
The Heat will host the Jazz on Saturday at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida starting at 5 p.m. ET. NBA TV will broadcast the game on national television while Bally Sports Sun and KJZZ will handle local coverage. Streaming is also available through NBA League Pass.
Basketball fans can listen to SiriusXM, WQAM 560/S: WAQI 710 and KSL 97.5 FM/S: KBMG 106.3 FM to follow the action.
Money line: Jazz (+270) vs. Heat (-340)
Spread: Jazz (+7.5) vs. Heat (-7.5)
Total (P/U): Jazz (o225.0 -110) vs. Heat (u225.0 -110)
Editor’s Note: Odds may change as the game approaches. The odds listed were consistent with information available at the time of writing.
Utah Jazz vs. Miami Heat: Game Preview
The Utah Jazz are just 2-6 in their last eight games, with their offense being the main culprit for their struggles. Lauri Markkanen and Collin Sexton have been good on that front, but they haven’t had consistent support from the rest of the team. Miami’s defense will test its ability to execute its plays. If the offense doesn’t step up significantly, they will likely extend their losing streak to three.
The Miami Heat punched above their weight despite injuries to key players. Tyler Herro, Haywood Highsmith, Kevin Love and Caleb Martin are all questionable while Josh Richardson remains out. The Heat are accustomed to playing against adversity and will be ready to defend their home court with or without players hesitant to play.
Utah Jazz vs Miami Heat: starting lineups
PF -John Collins, PF -Lauri Markkanen, SF -Taylor Hendricks, PG – Collin Sexton and SG – Keyonte George will start for Utah.
Miami could have SF -Duncan Robinson, PF -Nikola Jovic, SF -Jimmy Butler, VS -Bam Adebayo and SG – Terry Rozier. If Tyler Herro is allowed to play, he will likely replace Robinson or Jovic.
Editor’s Note: These are projected starting lineups, which could change depending on the availability of players uncertain to play.
Utah Jazz vs Miami Heat: Betting Tips
Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler gets a prop of 21.5 points over/under. The reigning Eastern Conference Finals MVP is averaging 21.2 points on 51.6% shooting, including 42.9% from deep. Butler will be needed to score for the injury-riddled Heat. He’s probably surpassing his point goal, especially against Utah’s average defense.
Lauri Markkanen has a prop of 20.5 points over/under. The Utah Jazz star is averaging 19.2 points on just 37.3% shooting, including 36.6% from behind the arc. Miami is seventh in the NBA in defensive rating, which could be one of the main reasons why “the Finn” can’t surpass his scoring pillar on Saturday.
Utah Jazz vs. Miami Heat: Prediction
The Miami Heat will be excited to play in front of their fans after a long stretch on the road, which doesn’t bode well for the Utah Jazz. Miami’s stout defense won’t be a good matchup against Utah’s stuttering offense. The Heat will likely return home with a big win against their slumping opponents.
