Game Details
Tipoff is scheduled for 9:30 PM ET (7:30 PM MT)
Venue: Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (home game for Utah Jazz)
Broadcast: FanDuel SN Sun, KJZZ, Jazz+; streaming on NBA League Pass
This interconference matchup pits the middling Miami Heat against the rebuilding Utah Jazz in a game that could see Miami exploit Utah’s defensive vulnerabilities. The Heat, coming off a mixed stretch, are favored on the road, but Utah’s home crowd at Delta Center could provide a boost in a potentially low-scoring affair given both teams’ recent trends.
Miami holds a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, driven by balanced scoring but hindered by injuries. Utah sits near the bottom of the West, with poor efficiency on both ends (bottom-10 in offensive and defensive ratings).
Recent Team Forms
Miami has alternated wins and losses, while Utah continues a downward spiral. Here’s a summary of their last five games (most recent first):
Miami Heat (Form: W-L-W-L-W):
Jan 17 vs. OKC: W 122-120 (clutch win; overcame late push).
Jan 15 vs. BOS: L 114-119 (defensive breakdowns in fourth).
Jan 13 vs. PHX: W 127-121 (strong offense; multi-point games from guards)
Jan 10 (loss per trends).
Jan 7 (win).
The Heat average 117.6 points per game recently but allow 118.4, going 2-3 in their last five. They’ve shown resilience in close games but struggle with consistency due to injuries
Utah Jazz (Form: L-L-L-W-L):
Jan 22 vs. SAS: L 109-126 (defensive collapse; allowed high FG%).
Jan 20 vs. MIN: L 122-127 (high-scoring loss; poor closing).
Jan 19 vs. SAS: L 110-123 (outrebounded badly)
Jan 17 (win per trends).
Jan 15 (loss).
The Jazz average 111.8 points per game in this stretch, allowing 125.6, with a 1-4 record. They’ve lost five of six, ranking last in defensive rating over that span
Series History
The Heat and Jazz have a balanced history, with Utah holding a slight edge overall but Miami winning recent encounters. Regular Season Head-to-Head: Jazz lead 40-36, with an average combined score of 205.2 points per game. Recent History: Heat are 7-3 in the last 10 meetings; Utah won the most recent on Jan 4, 2025 (136-100). Trends: Games trend under the total (60% under 230 points in last 5); Heat are 3-2 at Utah in recent years. This series often features defensive battles, with the road team winning 40% of recent games.
Injury Report
Miami Heat:
Vladislav Goldin (C): Out (G League – Two-Way)
Kel’el Ware (C): Out (hamstring)
Davion Mitchell (PG): Out (shoulder)
Utah Jazz:
Elijah Harkless (G): Out (G League – Two-Way)
Walker Kessler (C): Out (left shoulder injury recovery)
Miami’s frontcourt is thinned without Ware, potentially exposing them to Utah’s rebounding, while Jazz miss Kessler’s rim protection.
Key Player Matchups
Jimmy Butler (Heat, SF) vs. Lauri Markkanen (Jazz, PF): Butler’s two-way play (22.5 PPG, 6.0 APG) faces Markkanen’s scoring (24.0 PPG, 40% 3PT). This forward matchup could control spacing and rebounds.
Tyler Herro (Heat, SG) vs. Keyonte George (Jazz, PG): Herro’s shooting (20.0 PPG) tests George’s playmaking (15.0 PPG, 5.0 APG). Guard efficiency is key for perimeter offense.
Bam Adebayo (Heat, C) vs. Jusuf Nurkić (Jazz, C): Adebayo’s versatility (18.0 PPG, 10.0 RPG) vs. Nurkić’s interior presence (12.0 PPG, 9.0 RPG). Rebounding battle decides second-chance points.
Terry Rozier (Heat, PG) vs. Collin Sexton (Jazz, SG): Rozier’s speed (16.0 PPG) faces Sexton’s aggression (18.0 PPG). Secondary guards could exploit turnovers.
Miami’s experience gives them an edge, but Utah’s size could dominate inside if Kessler were playing.
Betting Trends
Miami Heat: 18-6 ATS in last 24 as favorites; over hits in 3 of last 5 road games. Heat are 13-11 ATS away, but 7-3 ATS vs. sub-.500 teams. Utah Jazz: 3-2 ATS in last 5; under hits in 4 of last 5 home games. Jazz are 10-12 ATS at home, 6-4 ATS as +5.5 or more underdogs. Head-to-Head Trends: Under in 4 of last 5 (average 205 points); Heat 7-3 SU in last 10, but Jazz +7.5 hits 60% in series. League trend: January 2026 games with heavy favorites trend under 55% due to blowout defenses.
Game Odds
Miami Heat – 635
Utah Jazz 245.5
NBA Game Preview: Miami Heat (23-22) vs. Utah Jazz (15-30)Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 23, 2026
