Consistency has eluded the Miami Heat on their 4-game West coast road trip which ends this evening in Salt Lake City against the Utah Jazz. Giannis and co. have bounced back between wins and losses, they are yet to be a .500 team this season, currently sitting at 4-6 SU. To make matters worse the Greek Freak has a wrist issue and is listed as a game-time decision here, so I’d recommend keeping an eye on his status before making any bets. Without him the Heat should still be a capable team here, after all they are playing a team that’s just 1-9 SU in 10 games played. The Heat have won in their last two visits to the Delta Center.
Will Hardy has his own injury issues to deal with ahead of Tuesday’s game. That’s one of the main reasons for the current 5-game losing streak that the Jazz are on, only one of those losses came by double-digits and it was against the Pelicans in OT. Keyonte George has been officially ruled out, while Lauri Markkanen is questionable with a wrist injury of his own. No Markkanen would be devastating here, as a team the Jazz shoot just 43% from the field, that won’t get you far in today’s NBA no matter who is on the opposite side. Coming back home from a 4-game trip will give the team an energy boost early in the game, but you have to wonder how long can Utah stay competitive here with so many players out right now.
You just know the Heat will want to finish off this road trip on a high note. Their defense has been questionable at times this season, but the depleted Jazz cannot buy a bucket at this point. I’ll give Miami the benefit of the doubt and back them to cover here.
Miami Heat vs Utah Jazz Predictions: Heat -9.5 is available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.
