Pro Basketball Predictions: Miami Heat vs. Utah Jazz

Miami Heat at Utah Jazz
Monday, 1/14/13, 9:00 PM EST, TV: SUN
Opening Point Spread: Miami -3.5
Current Betting Line: Miami -2.5
Opening Total: 196
Current Total: 197
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

76ers Heat NBA Playoffs Game 4 Preview — LeBron James has put up incredible numbers against the Utah Jazz in his career

Miami snapped a two-game losing streak in picking up an impressive 128-99 victory over the Sacramento Kings as 7.5-point road favorites Saturday, while going OVER the total for the first time in five contests. The Heat were led by guard Mario Chalmers’ 34 points, while Chris Bosh, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade combined for 47. The Heat are 8-8 on the road this season, including a 5-3 mark versus Western Conference opponents. Miami is 0-3 ATS as road favorites of three or less points this season, which can’t be ignored when making your NBA picks against the spread Monday.

The Heat tallied a 105-89 win over the Jazz as 7.5-point home favorites in the first meeting this year on Dec. 22, while going UNDER the posted total of 199. Miami is 14-1 this season when shooting at least 50 percent from the field, including 32-1 dating back to the 2011-12 campaign, which is certainly possible to achieve against an opponent that allows teams to shoot 45.8 percent on the season. James has averaged 30.4 points per game against the Jazz in his career—his highest average against any opponent.

Utah has alternated wins and losses over its last three games, as it returns home off a 90-87 win over the Detroit Pistons as 2.5-point underdogs, while going UNDER the posted total of 192.5. “This was great, but there’s still a bitter taste because we know we should be going home with a 3-0 road trip,” stated Jazz center Al Jefferson. The Jazz have compiled an incredible 39-7 home record against Eastern Conference in their last 46 opportunities. Utah is 2-0 ATS as a home underdog of three points or less this season.

The Jazz are 11-4 overall at EnergySolutions Arena this season, while posting a 10-5 ATS record in that situation. Utah is 30-21 all-time against Miami, including an 18-8 mark when playing in front of its fans in Salt Lake City. It’s still important to note that the franchise has dropped 13 of its last 17 games in this series.