Lakers vs Utah Jazz Preview and Predictions: Two in a Row?

Jan 10, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Utah Jazz guard Raul Neto (25) guards Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) in the first half of the game at Staples Center. Jazz won 86-74. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Utah Jazz guard Raul Neto (25) guards Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) in the first half of the game at Staples Center. Jazz won 86-74. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

After upsetting the Houston Rockets in their season opener, can the Lakers steal one on the road tonight against the Utah Jazz?

The post-Kobe Bryant era got off to a fantastic start Wednesday night against James Harden and the Houston Rockets. Despite point Harden’s 34 points and 17 assists, the Lakers managed to pull out a win, led by Jordan Clarkson‘s second half eruption.

After getting a win at home for the fans, they head on the road for a four-game road trip, starting in Utah. The Utah Jazz are considered one of the dark horse title contenders in the Western Conference, and it’s easy to see why.

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Utah cracked the top 10 in defensive rating last season, whereas the Lakers were dead last. The Purple and Gold will have to sharpen their defensive effort if they want to come away with the win tonight.

The Jazz also have a roster filled with young, talented players like Gordon Hayward, Rodney Hood, Trey Lyles and Rudy Gobert. Hayward did not play in Utah’s season opener, and is not expected back on the court til late November.

The injury bug might cost Utah a few games early on in the season, like it did when they lost to the Portland Trailblazers in their season opener. Luckily for them, they have very capable players on the bench ready to give the Lakers a run for their money.

Los Angeles Lakers at Utah Jazz

Date: Friday, Oct. 28
Start Time: 6 p.m. PT
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Arena: Vivint Smart Home Area
TV Info: Spectrum Sportsnet
Live Stream: NBA League Pass
Radio: Here

Injury Report

Los Angeles Lakers: Jose Calderon – Out (Calf)

Utah Jazz: Gordon Hayward – Out (Finger), Alec Burks – Out (Knee, ankle), Derrick Favors – Game-time Decision (Knee), Rodney Hood – Day-to-day (Ankle)

Prediction

While the Houston Rockets were a good test for the Lakers, they do not pose the same threat the Utah Jazz do. Unlike the Rockets, the Jazz play defense. Not only do they have a defensive anchor in Rudy Gobert, but they also play really good team defense.

Even with a plethora of injuries, the Jazz are still a tough team to beat. If the Lakers want to win two games in a row to start the season – something they haven’t done since the 2010-11 season – they’re going to have to compete early.

If Jordan Clarkson can be LA’s go-to guy on offense early in the game, they have a chance to steal one on the road. However, if they get off to a slow start and play sloppy defense, it’s going to be a long night in Utah.

Side note: The last time the Lakers played Utah Jazz, Kobe Bryant scored 60 points.

Next: Jordan Clarkson Putting In Work

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