Lakers vs Jazz Predictions ATS

Los Angeles Lakers (31-44 SU, 31-44-0 ATS) vs. Utah Jazz (45-31 SU, 31-43-2 ATS)
When: Thursday March 31 2022, 10:00 PM (ET)
Where: Vivint Smart Home Arena, Salt Lake City, Utah
TV: SPECSN

Point Spread: LAL +12/UTA -12 (Opened UTA -11 at Everygame)
Total: 225.5 (Opened at 225)
Money Line: LA Lakers 525/Utah -741
Power Rating: UTA -12

Probable Starting Lineups

Los Angeles Lakers PG Russell Westbrook, SG Malik Monk, SF Austin Reaves, PF Stanley Johnson, C Dwight Howard
Utah Jazz PG Mike Conley, SG Donovan Mitchell, SF Bojan Bogdanovic Q, PF Royce O’Neale, C Rudy Gobert

Key Injuries

Los Angeles Lakers Wenyen Gabriel: Ankle (QUESTIONABLE) LeBron James: Ankle (DOUBTFUL) Kendrick Nunn: Ankle (OUT) Anthony Davis: Ankle (OUT)

Utah Jazz Bojan Bogdanovic: Calf (QUESTIONABLE) Trent Forrest: Concussion (QUESTIONABLE) Hassan Whiteside: Foot (QUESTIONABLE) Danuel House Jr.: Knee (QUESTIONABLE) Udoka Azubuike: Ankle (OUT)

The Utah Jazz host the Los Angeles Lakers in a Western-Conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 10:00 PM ET at the Vivint Smart Home Arena.

Recent Form

The Los Angeles Lakers come into this game with an overall record of 31-44, placing them 10th in the Western Conference. Throughout the season, Los Angeles has struggled in their 37 road contests, sitting at 11-26. Over the Lakers’ last five games, they have picked up just 1 win. During this stretch, Los Angeles is averaging 118.0 points per game, 6.0 points more than their season average of 111.5. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 107.0 points per contest. A key reason for Los Angeles’ recent struggles is a defensive unit giving up 123.0 points over their previous five contests. This figure is up from their season average of 114.5. In the Los Angeles Lakers’ most recent game, the team fell to Dallas by a score of 128-110.

The Utah Jazz come into this game with an overall record of 45-31, placing them 6th in the Western Conference. So far, Utah is above .500 at home, holding a record of 26-11. Over the Jazz’s last five games, they have picked up just 0 wins. In this stretch, Utah’s offense is scoring right in line with their season average, putting up 104.0 points per game. Combined, the Jazz’s last five opponents are giving up 109.0 points per contest. A key reason for the Jazz’s recent struggles is a defensive unit giving up 116.0 points over their last five contests. This figure is up from their season average of 107.8. In Utah’s most recent game, the team fell to the LA Clippers by a score of 121-115.

Individual Player Analysis

As Los Angeles travels to take on the Utah Jazz, the Lakers are likely to be without Lebron James and his 30 points per game. Without their scoring leader, look for Rusell Westbrook to get more opportunites. Against the Jazz, Westbrook will need to be on top of his game as Utah is allowing their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their average in 41.0% of their games, placing them in the top 10. On the other side, Donovan Mitchell leads the Jazz in scoring, averaging 26 points across his 65 games. Throughout the season, Mitchell has outscored his season average in 52.0% of his outings. On the season, the Lakers have allowed their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 46.15% of their games, giving them a rank of 11th among NBA defenses.

Matchup Analysis

Heading into this matchup, the Utah Jazz are the more efficient team on both ends of the court. This scenario has taken place in 22 of Utah’s 73 games, leading to a winning percentage of 73%. So far, the Los Angeles Lakers have played 21 games as the inferior offensive and defensive unit. In these instances, they have lost 21 times, by an average margin of -14.0 points.

The Historicals

Heading into today’s matchup, the Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz have met up for 2 games. In their last meeting, LA Lakers picked up a 106-101 win.

How the Public is Betting the Lakers vs Jazz

67% are betting the against the spread.
52% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of 225.0

More Picks: Get Joe’s Cleveland at Atlanta Point Spread Prediction >>>

Betting Trends Worth Noting

• Lakers are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
• Lakers are 5-11-1 ATS in their last 17 games overall.
• Jazz are 6-0-1 ATS in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
• Jazz are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.

Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread

With their recent struggles, the Los Angeles Lakers are now in jeopardy of being bounced from the NBA play-in tournament. After dropping three-straight contests, the Lakers hold just a .5 game lead over San Antonio. On the other side, Utah is dealing with a losing streak of their own, dropping them to the 6th seed in the West. With Lebron James listed as doubtful and Anthony Davis not yet set to make his return, look for Utah to get back on track as they cover the 12 point spread.