Evan Altemus
3 Units Utah -5
Utah has been able to control this series because of winning one game on Denver’s home floor and the play of star point guard Deron Williams. Williams has taken advantage of the older and slower Chauncey Billups. The Nuggets also miss their coach George Karl, who has been able to control the strong personalities on this team. I feel he will really be missed tonight, in a game that Denver has to bring a maximum effort to win. Like Atlanta, Denver is the more talented team than their opponent, but the Jazz are playing with more energy and cohesiveness. Utah has one of the strongest home court advantages in the NBA, and they know they must win this game to close out the series. Denver will likely win a Game 7 if the game heads back there because of their strong home court advantage. Sharp bettors really like Utah in this game, evident by the significant line movement. Also, oddsmakers like the Jazz because of the adjustment to the point spread they made from Games 3 and 4. Look for Utah to win this game decisively, as Denver will begin to give up when they know they won’t win this game.