Nba Lines And Betting Preview Jazz Look To Upset Blazers

Miami (21-26 SU, 21-24-2 ATS) has struggled this season, partially due to its best player, Dwayne Wade, being hampered by injuries. In January, the Heat went 6-6 and have been unable to establish a winning streak.

Line: Detroit -4, Total: 186 (Check our odds page for updated point spreads and totals)

If there’s one role Miami has thrived in, though, it’s as a road underdog, as they’re 5-0-1 ATS when catching points away from home.

Conversely, the Pistons are 3-9 ATS as a home favorite, but have covered two in a row and three of five in the role.

One of their few bright spots for the Heat has been second-year pro Hassan Whiteside. Whiteside has surprised basketball fans with his ability to block shots and protect the rim. He has averaged 13.1 points, 10.8 rebounds and a stifling 3.4 blocks in his last ten games on the hardwood.

While Detroit (18-30 SU, 22-26 ATS) has lost starting point guard Brandon Jennings for the rest of the season. D.J. Augustin has filled in nicely, averaging 17.7 points and 6.6 assists in his last five games as the new starter. Andre Drummond and Greg Monroe have been beasts, combining for 23 rebounds per game. Whiteside will have his hands full with the Detroit front line.

Handicapping tools: Matchup analysis | Heat team page | Pistons team page

Partner pick: AccuScore offers a play

Portland Blazers (-8, 194) at Utah Jazz

Portland (32-16 SU, 24-23-1 ATS) sits in fourth place in the competitive West, ranking in the top 10 in points scored, points allowed, assists and rebounds per game. The Blazers boast an explosive back court, with one of the most underrated shooting guards in the league in Wes Matthews, who is having a career year. Matthews has averaged 16.4 points per game off of 47 percent shooting from the field and 40 percent from 3-point range.

Despite a 17-30 SU record with virtually no shot at making the postseason in the West, Utah’s 25-22 spread record is seventh-best in the league. The Jazz are 21-17 as an underdog on the season.

Utah has some solid pieces and beat Golden State a few days ago thanks to their best player, Gordon Hayward, putting up a stat line of 26 points and 15 rebounds. Coming off a big win, Utah will look to get their second straight upset.

Team pages: Blazers | Jazz