Dec. 27th NBA Betting Game of the Night Pits Portland ‘Blazers vs. Utah Jazz

The NBA Game of the Night in the basketball betting book on Monday, Dec. 27th pits the Portland Trailblazers versus the Utah Jazz in a battle between two very good Western Conference teams.

The ‘Blazers are only 15 and 15 straight up but they are perfectly capable of upsetting a squad like the Jazz because Portland has the requisite inside/outside game with Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge, to stay competitive.  Considering the amount of points that Utah is offering Portland in this game, are the ‘Blazer’s the team to back against the spread in the sportsbook?

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Portland Trailblazers (15-15) at Utah Jazz (21-9)

Where:  EnergySolutions Arena, Salt Lake City, Utah

When:  Dec. 27th, 2010 at 9:00 pm EST

TV:  FOX Rocky

NBA Betting Lines

Portland Trailblazers                 +7 ½ -110       O 191 ½ -110

Utah Jazz                                  -7 ½ -110        U 191 ½ -110

The trends favor the Jazz in this contest.

• The Utah Jazz is 6 and 1 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
• The Utah Jazz is 4 and 1 ATS in their last 5 games after as a home favorite of 5 to 10 ½ points.
• The Portland Trailblazers are 1 and 5 ATS in their last 6 versus the Western Conference.
• The Portland Trailblazers are 3-8-1 ATS in their last 12 games versus a team with a winning straight up record.

I was hoping to be able to take the 7 ½ points and go with the ‘Blazers in the online sportsbook in this game on Monday night, but there’s just no way that I can.  The trends are all over the Utah Jazz to cover.  Not only that, but Utah is 9 and 7 against the spread at home.  They also beat Portland by 9 points the last time the two teams faced each other. 

That game occurred on Nov. 20th and in it the terrific Deron Williams only had 12 points and 11 assists.  The ‘Blazers got to take on Utah at home in that game but still almost lost by double-digits, 103 to 94.  Portland’s Andre Miller, LaMarcus Aldridge, Wesley Matthews, Nicolas and Rudy Fernandez all scored in double-figures in that contest, but the ‘Blazers still couldn’t take down Utah as road home NBA odds dogs.  Yes, guard Brandon Roy didn’t play in that one and might suit up on Monday night, but I question how much of a factor Roy will be in this game if he does hit the court.

The Jazz’s Williams usually averages 22.4 points per.  He most likely will hit his average in this contest since Utah plays at home.  Utah also finally gets to the hardwood at EnergySolutions Arena after playing in 3 straight road games.  Utah has won 3 out of the 4 and is on a 3 game winning streak meaning that they’re hot straight up.

Portland goes into this off of a road loss to Golden State, 102 to 109, after 3 straight home victories.  The ‘Blazers are only 6-9-2 against the spread on the road this season and just don’t appear to be as solid of a team this season as they were last season.  With guard Brandon Roy being doubtful for this contest, I have to back the Jazz.  Roy most likely won’t be 100% even if he does play tonight.

Utah should cover the spread versus Portland on Monday, Dec. 27th.  

NBA Betting Pick:  Utah Jazz -7 ½ -110

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