Best of Western Conference NBA Odds: Los Angeles Lakers at Utah Jazz
Saturday, February 04, 2012
Frank Martin
With the toughest assignment on a six-game road trip behind them right off the bat, the Los Angeles Lakers have to be feeling good as they visit the Utah Jazz on Saturday night.
Faced with the prospect of opening a 12-day trek in the punishing confines of Denver's Pepsi Center, the Lakers escaped with a 93-89 win over the Nuggets to move to within a half-game of the rival Clippers for top spot in the Pacific Division.
L.A.'s three-game winning streak will be put to the test against a Jazz team coming off consecutive losses to the Clippers and Golden State Warriors. Defense has been a major issue for Utah, which has surrendered at least 107 points in four of its last six games - all losses. Working in the Jazz's favor is a 10-4 home record, coupled with the Lakers having won just three of 10 games away from the Staple Center so far.
- Los Angeles Lakers @ Utah Jazz
When: 9:00 PM ET, Saturday, February 4, 2012
Where: EnergySolutions Arena, Salt Lake City, Utah
TV: 9 p.m. ET, KCAL, Fox Sports Southwest Plus
The Jazz have opened as 2-point favorites on SBG Global Sportsbook’s Live NBA Basketball Odds.
Los Angeles Lakers (14-9): Head coach Mike Brown continues to give Peace a chance - in the starting lineup, that is. Metta World Peace has been part of the Lakers' starting unit in three straight games, and will continue in that role as long as he continues to play his trademark stout defense. World Peace is an offensive liability, but on a team with three solid options in Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, he can focus on his defensive responsibilities.
Utah Jazz (12-9): Long-range shooting continues to be Utah's nemesis on the offensive end. The Jazz rank second from the bottom in 3-point shooting percentage (29.1) while sitting 28th in both makes (3.8) and attempts (13.1). The loss of veteran guard Raja Bell to a strained right adductor has hampered the club's efforts to improve from beyond the arc. Bell is the team's best sharpshooter from outside 23 feet, hitting at a 36.6-percent clip.
1. The teams last met on Jan. 11, with the Lakers pulling out a 90-87 overtime decision. Los Angeles has won four of the last five encounters.
2. Bryant averages 26.2 points in 52 career games against Utah.
NBA BASKETBALL PREDICTION: Lakers 107, Jazz 103
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andrew bynum - energysolutions arena - kobe bryant - los angeles lakers - metta world peace - mike brown - pau gasol - raja bell - utah jazz