Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
Los Angeles Lakers
Utah Jazz
Betting Bonus up to $/€ 122
A regular-season NBA clash is set between the Lakers and Utah. The game will take place on the night of Tuesday, February 11, with tip-off scheduled for 04:30 Central European Time. Here’s my pick for the winner of this matchup.
Match Preview
The Lakers are having a solid season and remain in the hunt for a playoff spot. LeBron James continues to perform at a high level, and at the start of February, the franchise made headlines with a blockbuster trade.
Of course, the big news is Luka Dončić’s arrival from Dallas. In exchange, Anthony Davis headed the other way, but the Slovenian star is expected to bring significant firepower to the Lakers' offense. Notably, Dončić is set to make his debut against Utah.
The Jazz are a young and promising team focused on player development. Lauri Markkanen leads the squad, averaging over 20 points per game, while Jordan Clarkson and Collin Sexton provide perimeter aggression.
However, Utah’s season is essentially over. With a dismal 12 wins in 49 games, their chances of making a playoff push are nonexistent. Along with the Pelicans, they are among the weakest teams in the Western Conference.
Match Facts
- The Lakers have won six consecutive home games.
- Utah has lost its last eight road games.
- The Lakers average 115 points per game at home, while the Jazz average 113 points per game on the road.
Players to Watch
The legendary LeBron James continues to break records and remains the Lakers' biggest weapon. He is averaging nearly 25 points per game, along with close to nine rebounds and assists.
Head-to-Head
The Lakers have beaten Utah in their last three meetings.
Prediction
The Lakers have the advantage of home court and veteran leadership. Given Utah’s weak defense, the hosts should exploit this and put up a high-scoring performance. My bet is on the Lakers to cover a -7 spread.
Betting Bonus up to $/€ 122
