Miami Heat Vs. Utah Jazz: Predictions, Starting Lineups (12/30/23)
The shorthanded Miami Heat head to Utah for a non-conference bout against the Jazz on Saturday night. Take a look below at our Miami Heat vs. Utah Jazz predictions, betting picks, and an analysis of both teams!
Miami Heat Vs. Utah Jazz Prediction
Despite being riddled by injuries, the Miami Heat have played quite well recently, winning five of their past six games, including against Golden State, Philadelphia, Orlando, Atlanta, and Chicago; their only loss in that stretch was versus Minnesota, one of the league’s best teams, by four points. It should be noted that the Warriors still don’t have Draymond Green, Philadelphia was without MVP frontrunner Joel Embiid, and Chicago missed Zach LaVine; however, that does not detract from Miami’s recent play.
In the past six games, Miami has the sixth-best net rating in the NBA and has boasted a 48/40/79 team shooting split. Further, opponents are shooting the second-worst field goal percentage and fifth-worst three-point percentage against Miami in that stretch. Utah’s size and rebounding is usually an advantage, but the Heat have had the third-highest rebounding percentage over their past six games.
Even without Lowry, Martin, and Richardson, the Miami Heat still get a slight lean from us, especially if Jimmy Butler plays. The Miami Heat are the top three-point shooting team in the league, and Utah has one of the worst three-point defenses (25th in opponent 3P%) in the league.
The Jazz have allowed their last three opponents to shoot 42% from deep, and their opponents have been the Raptors (27th in 3P%), Spurs (26th in 3P%), and Pelicans (16th in 3P%.) This is not a good matchup for Utah, especially with its recent perimeter defense, or lack thereof.
Miami Heat Vs. Utah Jazz Prediction: Heat -2.5 (-110)
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Miami Heat Vs. Utah Jazz Best Odds
The Miami Heat are 2.5-point road favorites on Saturday night when they face the Utah Jazz in the Delta Center. Miami has Moneyline odds of -135, while Utah is at +114 to win on its home floor. The point total for this matchup hovers around 230.5 points, which is nearly four points higher than where the line was last night.
Miami Heat Starting Lineup
PG: R.J. Hampton
SG: Tyler Herro
SF: Jaime Jaquez Jr.
PF: Jimmy Butler
C: Bam Adebayo
Utah Jazz Starting Lineup
PG: Collin Sexton
SG: Kris Dunn
SF: Lauri Markkanen
PF: John Collins
C: Walker Kessler
Miami Heat Vs. Utah Jazz Injuries
Miami has a lengthy injury report heading into its road matchup with the Utah Jazz; Josh Richardson (back), Dru Smith (knee), Caleb Martin (ankle), and Kyle Lowry (soreness) are all listed as out for this non-conference bout. Further, Jimmy Butler (calf) is listed as questionable, so keep an eye on the injury report leading up to tip-off, as his presence would make a huge difference for the Heat and could move the line. On the other hand, the Utah Jazz have not reported any injuries despite missing several players for a large portion of the season.
