Utah Jazz vs LA Lakers Prediction: The Lakers are depressing, the Jazz are cheery

The NBA has thrown the gauntlets and we have seen a bunch of topsy-turvy results throughout the season. Various squads are still figuring out their identity while others have made early impressions through ceaseless high-yielding play. The Los Angeles Lakers are still figuring out their identity whereas the Utah Jazz has already made huge inroads to begin the season.

The Jazz comes into this game after defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 110:102 as Jordan Clarkson dropped 23 points and continues to rack up points. The Jazz has won four out of five games and eight out of their eleven games. They look so amazing on the offensive end that they can take tough pull-ups and hit fadeaways like they are on practise and the defender doesn’t even exist.

The Jazz has scored 110 or more in four of the last five games while their defense has been getting it done. They are one of the best three-point shooting teams and know how to spot the open man but it is their wealth of shot-creators that make them a real lethal team. Lauri Markkanen has elevated his game whereas the guard trio of Clarkson, Conley, and Sexton has been complementing each other well.

The Lakers come into the game after losing 100:114 against the Cleveland Cavaliers despite a 27 points performance by LeBron James. They have now lost seven out of their nine games and field one of the worst offenses in the league and now their defense has also taken a backseat. They have suffered a host of embarrassing losses and coach Darvin Ham has not found the winning combination.

LeBron James has put up big numbers but his impact has reduced because even he is forcing the issue at times. Anthony Davis is one of the best defenders but even his lockdown ways hasn’t bailed his time out. Lonnie Walker IV has shown promise but the team is not receiving adequate production from their guards. Russell Westbrook has been effective off-the-bench but makes an erratic play every now and then to derail the effort. The Lakers are now surely reeling and the fanbase can’t be more frustrated.

• Jazz: OUT: Leandro Bolmaro, Game-Time Decision: Jarred Vanderbilt;
• Lakers: OUT: Patrick Beverley, Cole Swider, Dennis Schroeder, Thomas Bryant.

• Expected Leading Scorers: Lauri Markkanen (20+ Points), LeBron James(25+ Points), Jordan Clarkson(19-25);
• Expected Leading Rebounds: Lauri Markkanen(10-13 Rebounds), Anthony Davis(10-14 Rebounds), LeBron James(8-11 Rebounds);
• Expected Leading Playmakers: LeBron James(8-10 Assists), Mike Conley(6-9 Assists).

The last time Jazz and Lakers met, the Jazz dropped 130, stacking 75 points in the first half, shooting 61%, and making shots at will. On the other hand, the Lakers don’t have the unit to make deep comebacks and are unable to sustain the consistent effort. They are one of the worst long-range shooting teams whereas the Jazz is one of the best in the league at making their threes.

Defensively, the Lakers have lost confidence lately and they have allowed multiple players to get red-hot. The lack the guard combinations to ease off the pressure and has been a tough period for all of the team. Both teams played just last night and can have a lot of fatigue but Jazz’s confidence is sky-high they can nab another win. The Total Points Range can be 210-220 here.