posted February 1, 2008 at 14:32 in NBA Free Picks

Are the Utah Jazz suddenly becoming relevant again in the Western Conference? After an early-winter swoon sent the Jazz hurtling out of a playoff position, Utah has come alive in 2008 to retake first place in the Northwest Division. The Jazz head into Washington riding a six-game winning streak, and NBA betting fans could continue to ride that win streak against a banged-up Wizards team on Friday night.

The Jazz extended their streak to six games on Wednesday night with a 100-89 victory over New York as a 13.5-point favorite. That was the only game the Jazz have failed to cover during their six-game run. Against the Knicks, Deron Williams led the Jazz with 22 points and 12 assists which was Williams’ fifth double-double in a row. Carlos Boozer chipped in with 17 points and nine rebounds, while four other Jazz players also scored in double figures.

The Wizards are coming off a home-and-home series against Toronto on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Tuesday night the Wizards defeated Toronto 108-104 in overtime as a 2.5-point home favorite despite missing leading scorer Caron Butler, who was sidelined with an ailing hip. Antawn Jamison made up for Butler’s absence with 24 points and 20 rebounds, while DeShawn Stevenson also stepped up his game with 20 points.

When the series shifted to Toronto on Wednesday night it was a whole different story for the Wizards. In the rematch Toronto crushed Washington 122-83 as an 11-point favorite. Butler remained sidelined in the loss, but this time Jamison was unable to repeat his stout Tuesday night performance. On Wednesday Jamison could only muster 11 points on 3-of-10 shooting, while Stevenson had only 16 points. Butler is listed as questionable for Friday night’s game and more will be required from Jamison if he remains out.

This will mark the first time the Wizards and Jazz meet up this season. Last year they clashed twice, with each team winning once at home. In Utah, the Jazz defeated the Wizards 103-97 as an 8-point favorite on the NBA odds, while Washington returned the favor in a 114-111 victory as a 3-point home favorite.

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