Lakers vs Jazz Prediction
Lakers vs Jazz Prediction
The Los Angeles Lakers (22-10) travel to Utah for a Western Conference showdown with the Jazz (25-6). The Jazz has been one of the best teams in the entire league and stellar at home.
Currently, the Jazz has a record of 14-2 at home but has not lost at home since late December. Utah lost their first two games at home starting this season and have currently won 14 straight games at home and are going for number fifteen Wednesday night.
On the flip side, the Los Angeles Lakers have been a very good basketball team on the road with a record of 13-3. The Lakers enter this one a much different team as star forward Anthony Davis continues to be out after reinjuring his Achilles. Los Angeles has their work cut out for them against the hottest team in the league.
Utah’s Scoring
A major reason the Utah Jazz are dominating seemingly everyone they play is their ability to score. Utah has only scored less than 100 points in three games this season. I’m not saying you are guaranteed to win if you score over 100 points, but the Jazz is averaging 116 points per game.
Not only do the Jazz score, but they also hold their opponents too much fewer points per game with the solid defense holding teams to an average of 9.6 fewer points per game at 110.4 points per game allowed.
Is Lebron Getting Tired?
Lebron James has been at the top of the NBA for almost his entire career. At age 36, Lebron is in year 18 in the league.
There is no question that James still has what it takes to play at a high level, but just how much is the absence of Anthony Davis affecting James. With Davis out with an Achilles, injury James continues to be the number one option for the Lakers.
In James’s last 10 games he is averaging more points, rebounds, assists, and steals than he has all season. James has also been averaging 3.1 more minutes per game in his last 10 games compared to the overall season. It might be time for the Lakers to take a look at the big picture and potentially lighten the load for James until Davis returns.
Last Five Games
Lakers (1-4)
No question the Los Angeles Lakers have struggled during the absence of All-Star forward Anthony Davis. Los Angeles recently lost to playoff contenders the Denver Nuggets and Brooklyn Nets, but a loss to the Washington Wizards is not a good sign. Los Angeles will need to turn to players other than Lebron to make up much-needed production and help Los Angeles until Davis returns.
Jazz (4-1)
The Utah Jazz continues to be one of the hottest teams in the NBA. Their last time out Utah scored 132 points making that two games in the previous five scorings 132 or more points. Utah’s offense is on fire and it will be difficult for Los Angeles to keep up.
Injuries
Lakers
Anthony Davis – Out (Achilles)
Dennis Schroder – Out (Covid-19 protocol)
Jazz
Udoka Azubuike – Out
Odds
Lakers +8 (+105) Moneyline +270 Over/Under 220 (-115)
Jazz -8 (-115) Moneyline -350 Over/Under 220 (-115)
Prediction: Jazz -8
The Utah Jazz is simply too good right now and the Lakers are not at full strength. If these teams meet again later in the season I expect the game to be much closer, but without Anthony Davis, Los Angeles will not be able to keep up.
As things stand right now the Jazz and Lakers could meet deep in the playoffs and that would be a very interesting series. Expect the Jazz to score plenty of points and cover the eight-point spread. Jazz -8.
