Heat vs Jazz Picks and Prediction – 1/10/2025

Miami Heat (18-17) face off against Utah Jazz (9-26) in Salt Lake City as the Jazz aim to end an eight-game home losing streak. The Heat are coming off a tough double-overtime 123-118 loss to the Kings, while the Jazz stunned Miami 136-100 in the last matchup. Score big in the NBA with our insider NBA picks.

Miami has been inconsistent, losing three straight games, including the blowout to Utah. Offensively, Tyler Herro leads the team with 23.6 points per game, shooting 46.9% from the field and 86.2% from the free-throw line. The Heat have averaged 109.3 points per game over the last 10 contests, slightly below the team’s season average, but distribute the ball well with 25.8 assists per game. Terry Rozier has contributed 12.1 points while shooting 40% from the floor.

Defensively, Miami allows 111.7 points per game and struggles to defend the three, giving up 13.6 makes per game. Injuries to key players like Jimmy Butler and Josh Richardson impact perimeter defense. However, Miami generates 8.3 steals and 4.1 blocks per game, showing defensive strengths. The interior defense faces challenges without Butler, making rim protection an issue.

Utah has shown glimpses of offensive improvement, averaging 116.1 points over the last 10 games. Lauri Markkanen leads the team with 19.9 points per game while shooting 43.5% from the field and 88.9% from the free-throw line. Collin Sexton has 17.9 points and 3.9 assists per game. The Jazz shoot 46.5% as a team and make 14.1 threes per game, slightly more than Miami allows.

Defensively, the Jazz have been porous, allowing 118.5 points per game and struggling to contain opponents inside and out. The team averages 48.8 rebounds per game but lacks rim protection, evident in just 5.0 blocks per contest. Injuries to Keyonte George, John Collins, and Jordan Clarkson further limit defensive flexibility.

The Heat are primed for a bounce-back performance after the earlier blowout loss to the Jazz. Miami’s defensive tenacity should keep Utah’s inconsistent offense in check, and Herro’s scoring gives them the edge. With Utah struggling defensively and missing key contributors, expect Miami to avenge the prior loss. Final Score Prediction: Miami Heat wins and covers 112-104.