Utah Jazz vs Miami Heat Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 29/12/2023, 23:02  by Joseph King | Modified on 30/12/2023 at 09:00 in NBA Prediction

Saturday in the NBA sees the Utah Jazz hosting the Miami Heat in Salt Lake City for this inter-conference clash. At 13-19 and sitting 12th in the West, the Jazz are looking to close the gap on the top 10 which they currently trail by three games. Miami, meanwhile, will be looking to extend their impressive winning run to five games here.

The majority of Utah’s success this season has come at the Delta Center where they have posted a solid 8-5 record compared to an ugly 5-14 on the road. The Jazz were on their longest winning streak of the season after victories over the Pistons, Raptors and Spurs. However, they would see that run halted at three games as they suffered a 112-105 away loss to the Pelicans on Thursday, Utah have a habit of handling business against the weaker teams in the league but failing to get wins against the tougher teams. Looking at the hosts last seven wins, only one was against a team with a record above .500 (the Knicks two weeks ago).

The Heat have been rolling and are getting wins despite being hit with a number of injuries. It’s been a recurring problem for Miami all season as they’ve rarely had everybody healthy. Their current four game winning streak even without the services of their best player in Jimmy Butler. Players like Jaime Jaquez in particular have really stepped up and the entire team is playing fantastic defense at the moment. Miami’s recent results haven’t come against pushover opponents like the Jazz. Their 114-102 win over the Warriors was the latest in a streak including the 76ers, Hawks and Magic. The results have brought Miami up to fourth in the Eastern Conference with a 19-12 record.