NBA Picks: Portland Trail Blazers at Utah Jazz
Written by Steve Janus - Google +
The Utah Jazz will look for their fourth consecutive victory when they host the Portland Trail Blazers tonight. After getting embarrassed at New Orleans 100-71, the Jazz rolled off three straight on the road. Utah is now 21-9 on the season, and hold a half-game lead over the Thunder in the Northwest Division. The Trail Blazers ended a three-game winning streak with a 109-102 loss at Golden State on Christmas. Portland has lost four straight on the road, and have won just two of their last 13 away from home. Checking out the NBA spreads for tonight’s games, the oddsmakers have the Jazz listed as 8-point favorites over the Trail Blazers at home.
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This is the second meeting between these two teams, as the Jazz won 103-94 at Portland back on Nov. 20. C.J. Miles hit 7 of 10 from 3-point range, and led the Jazz with 25 points off the bench. Al Jefferson had a big game with 20 points and 14 rebounds, while Deron Williams added 12 points and 11 assists. LaMarcus Aldridge led the Trail Blazers with 24 points and 11 rebounds. Andre Miller also had a solid game with 15 points, nine assists, five rebounds, and four steals. Portland however shot just 38% from the field.
Jefferson has really been playing well for the Jazz lately, and figures to play a big role in tonight’s game. Jefferson had 23 points, nine rebounds, and seven blocks in Utah’s most recent win over Minnesota. Jefferson is averaging 19 points and just over 10 rebounds over the last three games.
Deron Williams had 25 points and seven assists against the Timberwolves last Wednesday, but really struggled with his shot against the Trail Blazers in the first matchup. Williams really gets this team going, and I think he has to play a better game this time around for Utah to win.
Portland is going to need a big game from Aldridge and is going to need everyone to step up and play well, as they will once again be without Brandon Roy, who has missed the last four games with a sore knee. Aldridge is averaging 26 points and nearly 12 rebounds over the last five games, including two 30+ point performances. If Aldridge has a big night and the Trail Blazers play well on the defensive end, they have a shot in this one.
While Portland has a shot, my money is on the Jazz to win this game pretty easily. Utah is 9-7 ATS at home this season, while the Trail Blazers are just 5-9 ATS on the road.
For more help with who to take in the NBA this season, check out what our expert NBA handicappers have to offer in their daily NBA picks.
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