Utah Jazz at Cleveland Cavs
Monday, December 20th, 2010 at Cleveland
Opening Line: Utah -8
Current Line: Utah -7
Opening Total: 196.5
Current Total: 197
Moneyline: Utah -311 / Cleveland + 274
Cleveland just snapped a ten game losing streak with a 109-102 home victory over the Knicks. The game was a pleasant abberation for Cleveland, who averages only 94.1 points per game, as they scored 15 points above their season average. Jamison and Mo Williams both had big games, combining for 44 points. Williams also had 14 assists. Utah has won 3 of their last 5 games, including an impressive blowout win over Orlando. Despite their impressive 19-9 record, their point differential is only +3.0, indicating that Utah has had a number of close games. Interestingly, the Jazz are the third worst rebounding team in the league with 39.1 boards per game.
Cleveland has had its struggles on both ends of the court. They shoot a league worst 42.4% from the field and their leading scorer (Mo Williams) averages only 15.1 points per game. Antawn Jamison has been unable to regain the form he had in Washington, and is only averaging 13.7 points per game and 5.8 rebounds per game, well below his career average of 19.7 points per game and 8.0 rebounds per game, and it can partly be attributed to the fact he is playing 9 minutes less per game than his career average.
Utah is 16-11-1 ATS this year and is 7-4-1 ATS on the road this year. They are 8-4 on the road. Cleveland is 11-14-2 ATS this year and they are 6-6 ATS at home. They have a 5-7 record at home.
Some Key matchups to keep an eye on:
Deron Williams vs. Mo Williams
This battle of point guards matches up the highest scorers on their respective teams. Deron Williams is averaging a career high 22.5 points per game and 9.7 assists a night. He is shooting solid percentages, too (47.4% FG, 35.4% three, 84.8% FT). Last year against Cleveland, Deron Williams sprained his wrist, causing him to play but 18 minutes, scoring 7 points. But Utah won that game on a buzzer beating three by Sundiata Gaines. Mo Williams had a poor game that night, going 4 of 12 from the floor for 10 points. Deron Williams has size and strength advantages against Mo Williams and will look to use his body to overpower Mo on drive attempts and possible post ups. Williams will seek to shoot outside jumpers as much as possible but also will run a good number of pick and rolls. Deron Williams is a good defender of the pick and roll so expect Cleveland to have more problems scoring this game.
Paul Millsap vs Antawn Jamison
As mentioned earlier in this write up, Jamison has not had a very good season so far, though he has picked up his play of late, scoring 20 or more in 4 of his past 8 games. He will have to have a big night to keep Millsap busy on defense, as Millsap is quite the offensive player this year, averaging a career high 17.6 points per game and 8.0 rebounds per game. He’ll take Jamison into the paint and use his muscle to try to fight to the basket for easy shots. Jamison will do the opposite on offense and will take Millsap outside for jumpers and threes.
Cleveland has been pretty bad this year, but they are still decent at home. The Jazz, however, are a great road team and NBA oddsmakers have taken this into account with the 8 point opening spread.
