The Utah Jazz hope that’s not in the cards for the Heat at Energy Solutions Arena on Monday night.
The Miami Heat need a little consistency in the midst of their six-game road trip.
Miami, who is fifth in the NBA at 102.5 points per game, had been struggling in four games leading into its last outing, averaging just 88.8 points per game. But after dropping the first two games of the road trip, the Heat recovered and found its offensive capabilities with a 128-99 outburst against the Sacramento Kings on Saturday.
Those numbers came without the accurate 3-point help from forward Shane Battier, who could also miss Monday’s game with a hamstring injury.
Erik Spoelstra’s team got back to doing what makes it dangerous; generous ball movement (35 assists on 45 made shots) and deadly 3-point shooting (17-of-37 from deep).
Nevertheless, Utah (20-19) will be challenged against a team that plays with a small lineup. It’s even worse that the Jazz will be relying upon small forward Marvin Williams to return from a knee injury, according to the Salt Lake Tribune. Williams has missed the last three games but is probable.
Last time against Utah on Dec. 2, Miami pulled out a 105-89 win. The Jazz struggled to defend the 3-pointer, allowing the Heat to hit 11-of-24 from deep. Meanwhile, Miami (24-11) held its own in the paint against Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson, as the duo combined for 17 points and 16 rebounds.
What’s not probable is the Jazz’ need for Williams to defend LeBron James. Averaging 30.4 points against the Jazz, James has not seen more success against any other NBA team in his career.
Millsap has been enjoying a strong month of January thus far, averaging 16.9 points on 52.7-percent shooting, which is much improved from his year averages of 14.9 points and 48.2-percent shooting.
The Jazz will need that production from Millsap after he struggled against Miami in the first meeting this season.
Time: 9 p.m. ET
TV: Root Sports (Utah), Sun Sports (Miami)
The Miami Heat need a little consistency in the midst of their six-game road trip.
Miami, who is fifth in the NBA at 102.5 points per game, had been struggling in four games leading into its last outing, averaging just 88.8 points per game. But after dropping the first two games of the road trip, the Heat recovered and found its offensive capabilities with a 128-99 outburst against the Sacramento Kings on Saturday.
Those numbers came without the accurate 3-point help from forward Shane Battier, who could also miss Monday’s game with a hamstring injury.
Erik Spoelstra’s team got back to doing what makes it dangerous; generous ball movement (35 assists on 45 made shots) and deadly 3-point shooting (17-of-37 from deep).
Nevertheless, Utah (20-19) will be challenged against a team that plays with a small lineup. It’s even worse that the Jazz will be relying upon small forward Marvin Williams to return from a knee injury, according to the Salt Lake Tribune. Williams has missed the last three games but is probable.
Last time against Utah on Dec. 2, Miami pulled out a 105-89 win. The Jazz struggled to defend the 3-pointer, allowing the Heat to hit 11-of-24 from deep. Meanwhile, Miami (24-11) held its own in the paint against Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson, as the duo combined for 17 points and 16 rebounds.
What’s not probable is the Jazz’ need for Williams to defend LeBron James. Averaging 30.4 points against the Jazz, James has not seen more success against any other NBA team in his career.
Millsap has been enjoying a strong month of January thus far, averaging 16.9 points on 52.7-percent shooting, which is much improved from his year averages of 14.9 points and 48.2-percent shooting.
The Jazz will need that production from Millsap after he struggled against Miami in the first meeting this season.
Time: 9 p.m. ET
TV: Root Sports (Utah), Sun Sports (Miami)