Utah Jazz vs Miami Heat: A High-Stakes Non-Conference NBA Battle
The NBA schedule delivers an intriguing non-conference showdown as the Utah Jazz travel to South Beach to take on the Miami Heat. This game, set for Monday, February 9, 2026, at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, promises to be a compelling contest between two teams with contrasting recent fortunes. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, with television coverage on KJZZ and FDSN Sun, and streaming available via Fubo and Prime Videos.
Team Form and Statistical Analysis
The Miami Heat enter this contest with a solid 16-10 home record, showcasing their strength at the Kaseya Center. Offensively, they are a well-oiled machine, ranking fourth in the Eastern Conference with an impressive 28.7 assists per game. Point guard Davion Mitchell is the primary facilitator, leading the team with an average of 7.1 assists per contest. The Heat score an average of 119.7 points per game, demonstrating a consistent offensive output.
Conversely, the Utah Jazz are struggling, having lost eight of their last nine games, compiling a dismal 1-8 record in that stretch. Their most recent outing was a narrow 120-117 defeat to the Orlando Magic on Saturday, though they managed to cover the spread as 7.5-point underdogs. The Jazz's road record is particularly concerning at 6-20, and they hold a 4-7 record in games decided by three points or less. Despite these challenges, Utah boasts a potent offense, averaging 126.7 points per game, which is 7.0 points more than Miami's average. Their field goal percentage of 46.8% is also 0.9% higher than what the Heat's opponents typically allow (45.9%). For the season, Utah is 29-24 against the spread, indicating they often perform better than betting lines suggest.
Expected Starting Lineups and Key Injuries
Utah Jazz Projected Starters:
- PG: Isaiah Collier
- SG: Ace Bailey
- SF: Lauri Markkanen
- PF: Jaren Jackson Jr.
- C: Jusuf Nurkic
Miami Heat Projected Starters:
- PG: Davion Mitchell
- SG: Pelle Larsson
- SF: Norman Powell
- PF: Andrew Wiggins
- C: Bam Adebayo
Injury Report: Both teams are dealing with significant absences. For the Jazz, Keyonte George (ankle), Elijah Harkless (hamstring), and Walker Kessler are out, with Kessler missing the remainder of the season due to left shoulder surgery. The Heat list Pelle Larsson (elbow) and Norman Powell (lower back tightness) as day-to-day, while Tyler Herro (ribs) and Terry Rozier (on immediate leave) are confirmed out.
Game Prediction and Historical Context
This marks the second meeting between these teams this season. On January 25, the Heat dominated the Jazz with a convincing 147-116 victory. In that game, Bam Adebayo led Miami with 26 points, while Brice Sensabaugh was the top scorer for Utah.
Analyzing the teams' recent ten-game stretches, the Heat have a 5-5 record, averaging 120.3 points, 51.6 rebounds, 29.1 assists, 10.4 steals, and 3.7 blocks per game, while shooting 45.3% from the field. Their opponents average 113.3 points against them. The Jazz, with a 2-8 record in their last ten, average 114.5 points, 43.0 rebounds, 29.7 assists, 9.1 steals, and 4.5 blocks per game, shooting 48.1% from the floor. Their opponents average 122.9 points.
Given Miami's strong home record, superior assist numbers, and previous blowout win over Utah, they appear favored. However, Utah's high-scoring offense and ability to cover spreads could make this closer than expected. The Heat's injuries to key players like Herro and Rozier might level the playing field slightly. Expect a competitive game where Miami's home-court advantage and defensive discipline could edge out Utah's offensive firepower, especially if the Jazz's road struggles continue.
