Jazz vs. Heat Preview: Back to .500?
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The Miami Heat (12-13) will be looking for their third consecutive victory for the first time since the team started the season 3-0 on November 2 when they host the Utah Jazz (6-19) this evening at American Airlines Arena. Meanwhile, the Jazz are struggling to establish themselves in 2014 after losing 12 of their last 13 games.
Miami will also seek to improve their uncharacteristic 4-7 record at home. Let's see how the two teams square up.
TV: 7:30 p.m., Sun Sports
Line: Miami by 4
Conference Standing: Heat (7th), Jazz (14th)
Offensive Efficiency: Heat (16th), Jazz (14th)
Defensive Efficiency: Heat (25th), Jazz (29th)
True Shooting Percentage: Heat (8th), Jazz (17th)
Rebound Rate: Heat (30th), Jazz (10th)
Point Differential: Heat (-3.8), Jazz (-6.1)
Pace: Heat (30th), Jazz (28th)
Last 10: Heat (4-6), Jazz (1-9)
Mascots: Bernie vs. Jazz Bear
Dancers: Heat Dancers vs. America First Jazz Dancers
Scorers: Wade vs. Hayward
With Chris Bosh nursing a strained calf, Dwyane Wade is Miami's leading scorer, averaging 21.4 points. He's been efficient (52% FG) from all over and especially potent at the rim this year.
Utah's leading scorer is Gordon Hayward, averaging 18.7 points. Not in the same realm physically as Wade, he likes to attack the defense from various spots on the court. Watch out for his midrange game.
Note: All statistics used were from ESPN and NBA.com
Follow Josh on Twitter @JoshBaumgard