Jazz vs. Lakers expert prediction and odds for NBA In-Season Tournament Group Play
By Peter Dewey
The Los Angeles Lakers are two games over .500 and playing some impressive basketball heading into their NBA In-Season Tournament Group Play matchup with the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night.
LeBron James is putting up incredible numbers, averaging 26.4 points, 8.2 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game while shooting 58.6 percent from the field and 39.7 percent from 3. He’s in his 21st season!
James’ insane play helped lead the Lakers to a home win over the Houston Rockets their last time out, moving the team to 6-1 at Crypto.com Arena. Now, the team will look to cover the spread as a sizable favorite against a young Jazz team that has really struggled on defense this season.
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Jazz vs. Lakers odds, spread and total
Jazz vs. Lakers how to watch
- Date: Tuesday, Nov. 21
- Game Time: 10:00 p.m. EST
- Venue: Crypto.com Arena
- How to Watch (TV): TNT
- Jazz Record: 4-9
- Lakers Record: 8-6
Jazz vs. Lakers injury reports
Utah Jazz injury report
- Josh Christopher – out
- Taylor Hendricks – out
- Johnny Juzang – out
- Walker Kessler – out
- Micah Potter – out
- Brice Sensabaugh – out
Los Angeles Lakers injury report
Anthony Davis – probable
- Gabe Vincent – out
- Jarred Vanderbilt – out
- Maxwell Lewis – out
- LeBron James – questionable
- Jalen Hood-Schifino – questionable
Jazz vs. Lakers key players to watch
Utah Jazz
Talen Horton-Tucker: A former Laker, Talent Horton-Tucker is coming off one of his best games of the season against the Phoenix Suns, shooting 9-for-18 on his way to a 25-point performance. Can he stay hot against his former squad?
Keyonte George: Rookie point guard Keyonte George has really played well since being inserted into the starting lineup, averaging 11.0 points and 8.3 assists per game. This will be a big matchup for him against D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves in the Lakers backcourt.
Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James: I’ve said enough about James, but he has to be mentioned here after dropping 37 in a win over Houston. LeBron is a legit MVP candidate at this point in the season, and he seems to be beating Father Time once again.
Austin Reaves: Since moving to the bench, Reaves has really started to thrive for Los Angeles. The third-year guard is averaging 13.7 points 6.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game while shooting 50.9 percent from the field and 50.0 percent from 3.
Jazz vs. Lakers prediction and pick
There is a huge difference on the defensive side of the ball between these teams, as the Jazz are just 27th in the NBA in defensive rating compared to the Lakers at 13th.
Not only that, but Utah has struggled as a road underdog this season, going just 2-4 against the spread. Los Angeles hasn’t been great ATS, but the team is 6-1 straight up at home.
Lakers bettors are going to want to wait to make sure James is ruled in for this game, but I can’t see Los Angeles falling flat in this matchup – especially with what it means for the In-Season Tournament standings.
Utah is going to have a hard time slowing down James and Davis without Walker Kessler available to protect the rim. Give me the Lakers tonight.
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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.