This game sees the 6-3 Utah Jazz take on the 7-2 Cleveland Cavaliers at The Quicken Loans Arena. Utah Jazz C Kosta Koufos PF Carlos Boozer SF C.J. Miles SG Ronnie Brewer PG Deron Williams Key Bench Players: Paul Millsap, Brevin Knight @ C Zydrunas Ilgauskas PF Ben Wallace SF LeBron James SG Delonte West PG Mo Williams Key Bench Players: Daniel Gibson, Anderson Varejao, Wally Szczerbiak Cleveland Cavaliers Jazz's Keys to Victory Shoot well - this game is between two of the top four teams in terms of field goal percentage, so it is imperative that each team continues that. If the Jazz fall short in this department, they dont really have the level of defence to stop LeBron James and co. If the tables are turned, however, the Cavaliers can play the kind of defence to bring the Jazz down if they shoot badly. Therefore, the Jazz must shoot the ball well if they are to have a chance tonight. Keep the ball moving - the Jazz average more assits per game than any other team in the League. If they can ensure that they play with good tempo, and make the extra pass, I have no doubt that they will be there or thereabouts come the end of the game tonight. BE careful with the ball - the Cavs are very good at forcing their oppponents to turn the ball over and the Jazz, like any team, struggle when they turn the ball over a lot (case in point - Bobcats last night). If they can avoid turning the ball over too many times, they should be able to challenge the Cavs tonight. Cavaliers’ Keys to Victory Rebound hard - the Cavs were one of the best rebounders (+4.2 differential per game) last season and, whilst they are still near the top, this figure has dropped to +2.4 per game. They will need to be on top of their rebounding game if they are to keep former Cav Carlos Boozer quiet tonight, and keeping him quiet is arguably the most important thing for them to do tonight. Maintain the great defence - this has been the Cavs' main strength so far this season; they have been able to play great defence for extended periods of each game and, as such, they have been able to win on 7 occasions. If they can play great D again tonight, and can keep Boozer and Williams quiet, or even just frustrated, they should leave The Q tonight victorious. Shoot those free throws - you can be fairly sure that the Cavs will head to the free throw line 25-30 times tonight. The difference between their "on" and "off" nights from the free throw line is probably about 5 points given that number of attempts. And tonight, 5 points could make all the difference. Prediction Since 2003, when LeBron James entered the League, the Cavs and Jazz have met 10 times, the Cavs winning 7 and the Jazz winning 3. The Cavs average 96.4 points per game, and concede just 88.1 points per game to the Jazz. LeBron has never missed a game against the Jazz and averages 30.1 points, 8.7 rebounds and 6.3 assists. He has had numerous big games against the Jazz including a 51-5-8 game, a monster 32-15-13 triple double and also a 40-10-9 game. If he can replicate any of these performances, I have no doubt that the Cavs will win. The Cavs' supporting cast has looked really good in recent times so, if they can continue on this level, they will probably win. If Deron Williams and/or Carlos Boozer have a big game, though, there could be trouble. However, I think the Cavs will be able to play good enough defence that they should win tonight, though it could potentially be very close. 98-102
