I am now going to take a look at a marquee NBA game this week between the Utah and New Orleans. Certainly, New Orleans is the surprise team of the NBA this season with a 37-18 placing them 5th in the Western Conference, but just 1.5 games behind front runner Lakers. Entering Tuesday night New Orleans had lost 3 straight games and thereby relinquishing their overall lead in the Conference to 4 teams. The Lakers have won 8 straight, but San Antonio has also 6 straight while Phoenix is just 5-5 over their past 10 games. Houston has been red hot and perfect in February winning 12 straight games, but now Ming is out for the season with a stress fracture in his foot. Utah is ahead of New Orleans despite having a weaker record at 36-20 because they are a division leader.

Enough about the Western Conference. I like New Orleans in this game. Utah has enjoyed huge success since trading with Philadelphia to get Kyle Korber. Korber is a vastly under rated shooter and his presence has served to open up the paint area. Yet, the paint area is now filled with the presence of Shaq and although he is not scoring 25 PPG, he is still an intimidating force. Utah hasn’t really played well recently and lost two games on the road to sub 500 teams Sacramento and the Clippers.

Looking at some of the technical angles supporting New Orleans for this game. Utah has won four straight games against New Orleans. New Orleans is 10-1 revenging a loss where the opponent scored 100+ points this season. Utah’s defense does not do as well on the road. In fact, Utah yields 10 more points on the road than New Orleans does at home. Take New Orleans to get their revenge and look for this game to lined at NO – 3 to 4 points.