The Los Angeles Lakers are back at home to take on the Utah Jazz on Monday night. The Jazz are one of the best teams in the league as they are currently third place in the Western Conference. The Lakers have not yet played Utah this season.
Los Angeles is coming off of the worst loss of the season to a team that is not as good as the Jazz. The Denver Nuggets embarrassed the Lakers, 133-96, leading LeBron James to tweet an apology to Laker fans for the team’s play.
Fans thought the Lakers would be a true title-contender before the season and they have not been, although they are taking on a true title-contender that the Lakers can measure themselves against. Will this game be close? Vegas thinks it might be.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Jazz odds, spread, over/under:
Despite the Lakers coming off of the worst loss of the season and there being a seven-game disparity in the standings between these two teams, the Los Angeles Lakers are only five-point underdogs at home against the Jazz.
This makes the Lakers a +165 moneyline underdog while the Jazz are a -200 moneyline favorite. The over/under for the game has been placed at 230.5 points.
This is easily the most surprising Lakers spread of the entire season. The only player in the rotation that the Jazz are missing is Hassan Whiteside, who obviously does not make that big of an impact.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Jazz prediction:
Based on the fact that I called it the most surprising spreads of the entire season you probably know where I am going with this. The Lakers have not been a good basketball team this season and have struggled immensely against teams that have a .500 record or better.
The Jazz are firing on all cylinders and have been so much better than the Lakers this season. While the Lakers could create some mismatches with the small-ball lineup, I just do not see how the team is going to even come close to stopping Donovan Mitchell.
Even though the Lakers are the home team I would have guessed that this line would be in the 8-9 point range. Even then I would probably still take Utah. Five points just is not enough for a great team that is taking on a struggling team that is barely .500 despite having an extremely easy schedule.
I am going with Jazz -6 and over 230.5 points with a final score prediction of Utah 124, Los Angeles 110. It is only that close because of garbage time.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Jazz TV channel:
This is not a nationally televised game, however, the game can be watched on more than just Spectrum SportsNet. This game will also be available to watch on NBA TV. Tip-off is slated for 7:30 p.m Pacific.
Los Angeles Lakers schedule and upcoming games:
The Lakers have one more game at home as they host the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night. After that, the Lakers jump out on the longest road trip of the entire season.
The Lakers start the road trip on Friday the 21st against the Orlando Magic and wrap up the road trip on January 30th in Atlanta.