The Los Angeles Lakers (34-45) take on the Utah Jazz (46-33) at Staples Center. The game is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 8, 2018.
Utah Jazz vs. Los Angeles Lakers Betting Prediction
In the Jazz’s last contest, they thoroughly outplayed the Los Angeles Clippers, 117-95. Utah’s 8.6 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Los Angeles, who had a rate of 14.9. The Jazz’s mark was better than their season average of 13.3. Rudy Gobert had a good outing for Utah, contributing 15 points and 10 rebounds.
The Lakers were beaten by the Minnesota Timberwolves in their last matchup, 113-96. Minnesota’s turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Los Angeles. The Timberwolves had a rate of 4.3 (better than their season average of 10.9), while the Lakers posted a mark of 17.7 (above their season average of 13.4). Los Angeles’ Josh Hart put together a solid performance, leading the team in scoring with 20 points on 6-for-12 shooting.
The inefficient offense of Los Angeles will clash against the stingy defense of Utah. The Lakers currently rank 23rd in offensive efficiency, while the Jazz are second in defensive efficiency. The Jazz figure to have the advantage on that end of the court.
Utah comes into the game with records of 46-33 straight up (SU) and 41-38 against the spread (ATS). Games including the Jazz have a slight tendency to go under the projected point total (50.6 percent).
Meanwhile, Los Angeles owns records of 34-45 SU and 41-37-1 ATS. Contrary to Utah, just over half of Lakers games have finished over the total.
The Jazz have emerged victorious in both games against the Lakers this year, including a seven-point victory in their last matchup. Utah was unable to cover as an 11-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 227 points, which was 19.5 points above the projected point total of 207.5 points. Utah had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (30.4 vs. 17.5). Los Angeles, on the other hand, had a much better free throw rate (0.324 vs. 0.191). Ricky Rubio scored a game-high 31 points.
Utah Jazz vs. Los Angeles Lakers Odds Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Lakers, ATS Winner – Lakers, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Utah is 20-19 ATS with 22 overs, 16 unders and 1 push.
At home, Los Angeles is 21-18 ATS with 20 unders and 19 overs.
When holding opponents below 100 points, Los Angeles is 13-5 and Utah is 32-7.
When scoring above 100 points, the Lakers are 31-29 and the Jazz are 37-12.
Utah ranks second in points allowed in the paint per game (41.7) while Los Angeles ranks last (48.9).
The Jazz rank second in second chance points allowed per game (10.8) while the Lakers rank 28th (13.6).
Los Angeles ranks second in fast break points per game (17.3) while Utah ranks 24th (10.0).
The Jazz rank fourth in steals per game (8.7) while the Lakers rank 25th in steals allowed per game (8.3).
Utah ranks second in rebounds allowed per game (41.6) while Los Angeles ranks 23rd (44.8).
The Jazz rank ninth in blocks per game (5.1) while the Lakers rank 27th in blocks allowed per game (5.5).
Utah ranks third in three pointers allowed per game (26.1) while Los Angeles ranks 19th (30.0).
The Jazz rank first in assists allowed per game (20.0) while the Lakers rank 16th (23.4).
Utah averages 16.8 points off turnovers per game, which ranks 13th in the NBA. Los Angeles ranks 25th in points off turnovers allowed per game (18.4).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Utah is 2-3 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
Los Angeles is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Jazz’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 12.0, up from 3.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Lakers have scored an average of 106.6 points per game (1.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 110.0 points per game (0.2 above their season average).
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