Jazz vs. Lakers Point Spread: NBA Odds, Prediction
It’s the first of four meetings between the Jazz and Lakers. Their game on April 7 back in Los Angeles could be very important regarding the playoffs in the Western Conference. It’s far from a sure thing that either makes the postseason in the ultra-deep West … although it would be an upset if neither did.
NBA Point Spread and Betting Analysis
Utah has been a disappointment thus far as it was expected to be a rising power in the conference. The Jazz have one of the best home-court advantages in the NBA but are 2-5 in Salt Lake City and 6-5 on the road.
The Jazz were 3-0 vs. the Lakers last year and have taken the past seven in the series overall and previous three in Los Angeles – of course, those Lakers teams didn’t have LeBron James. Donovan Mitchell led Utah in averaging 25.3 points vs. L.A. a season ago, while Ricky Rubio was at 20.3 points and Derrick Favors 13.0 points and 10.3 rebounds. Kyle Kuzma, who starred collegiately at the University of Utah, led the Lakers in averaging 17.5 points. Brandon Ingram was at 16.0 ppg.
During the seven-game winning streak in the series, the Jazz have outscored the Lakers by an average of 12.9 points (103.6-90.7). The closest last year was a seven-point margin of victory.
Utah is 5-2 ATS in its past seven at the Lakers.
Utah Jazz
The Jazz’s inconsistency continues. They have had two three-game winning streaks this season. After the first, they lost the next four. Then, since that most recent three-game run, Utah has dropped four of five following Wednesday’s 119-110 home loss to Sacramento.
The Kings are much better this year, but the Jazz shouldn’t be losing that game at home. Utah was on the wrong end of a 16-1 run in the fourth quarter that clinched it for the visitors. Mitchell had 35 points but no other starter more than 13. Utah led the NBA in defence a season ago at 99.8 ppg, but is allowing 108.5 ppg this year.
Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron’s reunion tour went well this week as the Lakers won in Miami on Sunday and then in Cleveland on Wednesday. The Lakers played really well vs. the Heat but not against the terrible Cavaliers as L.A. was down most of the game and 99-91 at one point in the fourth. James, who was very warmly welcomed by the Cleveland fans in this return, finished with 32 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists.
Entering Wednesday, LeBron was averaging 31.5 points in Cleveland as an opponent (all with Miami), his highest scoring average at any road venue. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope made four free throws in the final 15 to seal the victory. L.A. has won six of seven to get a season-high three games over .500. The Lakers have failed to cover their past four on Friday, however.
