Saturday Night NBA Basketball Odds: New Jersey Nets at Utah Jazz
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Frank Martin
Deron Williams returns to Utah on Saturday night for the first time since he was traded to the New Jersey Nets last season, but he might not get the warmest of welcomes.
Williams helped Utah to the 2007 Western Conference finals, but last season he was held as the culprit in legendary coach Jerry Sloan’s sudden resignation. Two weeks later, Williams was traded to New Jersey. Williams still downplays his role in Sloan’s decision. “I had a great 5 1/2 years there,” he told the Salt Lake Tribune this week. “Definitely some bumps along the way, just like you have with any franchise.” Williams was at his best Friday night, scoring a season-high 35 points with 14 assists as the Nets took advantage of the absence of Steve Nash and Grant Hill to earn a rare road victory in Phoenix, 110-103.
New Jersey had lost 16 of 17 in Phoenix. Utah Jazz saw its five-game home winning streak end in a 90-87 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.
- New Jersey Nets @ Utah Jazz
When: 9:00 PM ET, Saturday, January 14, 2012
Where: EnergySolutions Arena, Salt Lake City, Utah
TV: 9 p.m. ET, YES (Nets), ROOT Sports (Jazz)
The Jazz have opened as 9-point favorites on SBG Global Sportsbook’s Live NBA Basketball Odds.
New Jersey Nets (3-9): While Williams will get the most attention Saturday night, he is just one of five Nets who played with Utah. Mehmet Okur played seven seasons for the Jazz and was traded Dec. 22. Kris Humphries, Sundiata Gaines and DeShawn Stevenson are the other former Utah players returning. Okur said his trade was a shock, but he has accepted it. “It’s just business,” he said. “I’m experienced enough to realize what’s going on and what was going on.”
Utah Jazz (6-4): Utah is 29-8 at home against the Nets, and despite a strong home start, coach Tyrone Corbin doesn’t expect an easy game. “Oh, absolutely. We can't afford to take anybody for granted right now,” Corbin said. “We're still building. We've got to create an identity. We've got to create a reputation when we step on any floor, but especially our own floor.” Earl Watson, who has a bone bruise on the front of his left knee after spraining it against the Los Angeles Lakers, is a game-time decision.
1. All three of New Jersey's wins have come on the road.
2. Utah is 14-5 against the Nets at EnergySolutions Arena.
3. The Jazz are second in the league in blocked shots with 7.1 per game.
NBA BASKETBALL PREDICTION: Jazz 105, Nets 96
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deron williams - deshawn stevenson - earl watson - energysolutions arena - jerry sloan - mehmet okur - new jersey nets - steve nash - tyrone corbin - utah jazz
