PRO BASKETBALL — February 27

HOUSTON at UTAH
(Jazz -9.5, Total 204.5) — Both these teams played last night, but it’s our notion that Utah will come out with a bit more fire at home after the disappointing 103-99 loss at Sacramento, while Houston got itself a satisfying win against San Antonio. The Jazz has been one of the NBA’s hottest teams, with 14 wins in their last 17 games and five covers in the last seven, and Andrei Kirilenko has come back to the lineup after back spasms and scored 16 points on Friday. Trevor Ariza misses this one with a hip flexor. Kevin Martin will score points in his pace, but Houston will suffer on defense and in the area of depth.

THE PLAY: UTAH -9.5 ***

(All information is for news matter only; All games are graded on a scale of 1-4 stars. Lines are subject to change)