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This free pick for the Utah Jazz vs. Denver Nuggets NBA Playoffs game is courtesy of Pregame.com. Be sure to check out their site here for all the latest free picks and game analyses.
The Denver Nuggets host the Utah Jazz in Game 2 of their 1st Round Playoff series. The first game featured an offensive explosion, with the Nuggets pulling away in the 4th quarter. The Nuggets are 7 point favorites, with a total of 213 points expected tonight. TNT will air the game at 10:30 EDT.
Denver broke open what had been a very competitive game in the 4th quarter, as they outscored Utah by 11 PTS in the quarter. Denver showcased their offense in Game 1, as they scored at least 30 PTS in 3 of the 4 quarters. The Nuggets shot 57% from the field, and were led by F Carmelo Anthony's 42 PTS. Anthony was a ridiculous 18 of 25 from the field in a very efficient Game 1. Denver has now scored more than 120 PTS in 2 of their past 3 contests. The Nuggets have scored at least 105 in all 5 games with the Jazz this season, proving that the Nuggets have an elite offense. The Nuggets are now 35-7 SU and 20-21-1 ATS at home this season. Denver has struggled as the listed favorite ATS, as they are only 26-36 ATS this season. The Nuggets are an impressive 6-2 ATS as a home favorite between 6.5 and 9 PTS this year. The Nuggets are 9-5 ATS against teams within their own division this season. Denver will look to keep G J.R. Smith hot, as he is one of the streakiest players in the NBA. Smith scored 20 PTS, including 4 three pointers in Game 1.
The Nuggets are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 playoff games as the listed favorite. The Over is 5-1 in the Nuggets last 6 playoff games as the listed favorite. Guard J.R. Smith is listed as Questionable with an injured ankle.
Utah is struggling right now with absolutely no momentum. Utah simply can't stop Denver from scoring, and now they just received news that they will be without one of their best players for the rest of the playoffs. C Mehmet Okur was ruled out for the playoffs yesterday because of a torn achilles. Utah needs to do a better job in the rebounding department, as they were out rebounded by 11 in their Game 1 defeat. PG Deron Williams was spectacular in defeat, as he had 26 PTS and 11 assists. G C.J. Miles and F Paul Millsap also had big games for the Jazz, yet again proving Utah needs to fix their defense if they are going to gain any momentum in this series. Utah is 21-21 SU and 23-18-1 ATS in road games this season. The Jazz are 12-11 ATS as the listed underdog this season. Utah has performed well after giving up more than 105 PTS this season, going 17-5 ATS in the following game after a defensive debacle. Utah is 17-9 ATS against teams that allow more than 99 PPG in the 2nd half of the season.
The Jazz are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games as the listed road underdog. The Over is 7-2 in the Jazz last 9 games following a SU loss of more than 10 points. Center Mehmet Okur is out for the season, and that's a brutal injury to the Jazz. Forward Andrei Kirilenko remains out due to a balky calf.
Pregame.com projects the final score to be 106-105 in favor of the Denver Nuggets. The Utah Jazz +7 are the Side of the Day!
Johnny Detroit, Gambling911.com
