Denver Nuggets at Utah Jazz
Thursday, 3/3/11, 10:30 PM EDT, TV: TNT
Opening Point Spread: Utah -3
Current Betting Line: Utah -3.5
Opening Total: 210
Current Total: 211
Denver has been playing its best basketball of the season since trading away star Carmelo Anthony to the New York Knicks and posted its most lopsided victory with a 120-80 win over Charlotte Wednesday. “We’re playing together and winning right now,” said point guard Ty Lawson. “That’s fun for everybody. There’s no sticky hands out there.” The Nuggets have posted a 36-26 overall record this season, but are just 10-19 on the road, including a 5-12 mark versus Western Conference foes. The team has won four of five since being part of the three-team, 13-player deal on February 22. Denver is 30-30 ATS on the season and currently getting points on the NBA lines page.
The Nuggets are just 9-13 overall against the Jazz since the 2005-06 season, but have won six of the last 10 in the series over the past three seasons. Denver has gone just 2-8 in Salt Lake City during this current five-plus year span mentioned above. With the 120-80 win versus Charlotte, the squad secured the fifth largest margin of victory in team history. It was an impressive performance and improved upon the team’s 107.0 scoring average, which currently leads the NBA. Defensively, the team improved to 16-4 when allowing fewer than 100 points this season. After giving up 100-plus points in eight straight games from February 2-14, Denver has held four of its last six points under the century mark.
Utah conducted a trade of its own before the trade deadline and has struggled to find its way since by dropping three of four. The Jazz have allowed an average of 107.3 points over that particular stretch. “Despite the fact we’re losing games, we’re playing way better basketball right now,” forward Andrei Kirilenko said. “Right now, we start building again. So we’re playing better, but we’re not happy with the result.” The team is 5-16 over the last 21 games and that mark includes a season-high six consecutive losses at EnergySolutions Arena. Utah is 12-19 ATS at home this season and 64-54 ATS in that particular situation the last three years.
The Jazz hold a 97-66 all-time series lead against the Nuggets, including a 65-16 advantage at home. The last time Utah won a regular season series against Denver was the 2006-07 season. Forward Al Jefferson will need to continue is strong play in order to snap the club’s home losing streak, averaging 27.2 points and 11.0 boards over the past six games. Newly acquired point guard Devin Harris will also need to continue gaining confidence in a new offense, as he’s averaged 16.7 points and 7.3 assists since being involved in the Deron Williams trade.
Bettors will be interested in backing the Nuggets due to their 6-0 ATS mark, while the Jazz are 0-6 ATS at home.
