Jazz vs. Lakers Prediction and Odds: Rudy Gobert's Return Is Just What Utah Needed

Despite a roster full of superstar talent, the Los Angeles Lakers just can’t seem to get it together. Things were looking up after they went on a four-game win streak recently but quickly fell apart and the Lakers are now under .500.

They have a chance to pull even tonight but have a tough game against the Utah Jazz on tap. L.A. is coming off three straight losses including their last game to the Denver Nuggets on the road. 

While the Jazz are a top 3 team in the West, they have been struggling lately as well. Utah snapped a four-game losing streak last night with a win over Denver so things are at least turning around. This is the first time these two Western Conference rivals will meet this year. Utah won last season’s series 2-1. 

Here are the odds for this West coast showdown courtesy of WynnBET: 

Jazz vs. Lakers Odds, Spread, and Total

Spread:

• Jazz: -5 (-110)
• Lakers: +5 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Jazz: -200
• Lakers: +165

Total: 

• 230.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Jazz vs. Lakers Prediction and Pick

The Jazz enters this game with a 20-23 ATS record on the year and is going through their first serious rough patch of 2021-22.

On a positive note, the Jazz welcomed back Rudy Gobert to the lineup which will help bolster their defense against LeBron James and company. It is their defense that has been the issue lately and has fallen out of the top 10 in points per game and assist/turnover rate.

Their offense is still the top-ranked group in the league with an average of 115.3 points per game. 

The return of Gobert to the lineup cannot be overstated and he finished with 18 points, 19 boards, and two blocks against the Nuggets. Anthony Davis is out tonight so Gobert won’t have to face off against him in the paint. I think getting their big man back was the spark that the Jazz needed and they should beat up on a short-handed Lakers crew. 

Pick: Utah Jazz -5 (-110)