The LA Lakers easily won Game 1 of the Western Conference playoffs, 113-100 at home, against the Utah Jazz. But Phil Jackson was not happy about what he saw in the second half after they were outscored 60-51. Tonight, April 21, the Lakers get set to host Game 2 against the Jazz and NBA oddsmakers at SBGglobal.com have the Lakers as -11.5 point home favs over the Jazz with the over/under listed at 211.5 points. Get your 2009 NBA Playoffs LA Lakers vs Utah Jazz Prediction in now at SBGglobal.com
The Jazz had a horrible night shooting. They made just 39.1% from the field, 23.15 from the arch and 82.9% from the free throw line. At the line is where the Jazz got their most points and it slowed the tempo of the game. Their top producer was Carlos Boozer with 27pts9 rebounds, while Deron Williams added 16pts 17 assists and Kyle Korver and Jarron Collins each chipped in 7pts apiece. The Jazz will be looking to end its 10-game losing skid at Staples Center. To do this they must play hard and physical. "Our style is physical, in your face, scrappy, feisty, whatever you want to call it," he said. "We've got to make them feel that all night long." They did manage to control the second half, but they never came within 9pts of the lead. Mehmet Okur is listed as a game time decision tonight, he averages 17 ppg, and is great in the paint. The Jazz's road struggles this season were well documented, but Utah is 28-81 away from home in franchise playoff games.
The Lakers Coach Phil Jackson was so disgusted with what happened in the final 24 minutes of Game 1 that he wrote a message in the locker room that said "15? Not like that." He was referring to the team needing 15 more victories to win its first NBA championship since 2002. "We're not going to win 15 games if we play like that," Jackson said Monday. "This is a time of the season where you look for improvement." The Lakers were leading by 22pts at the half when the Jazz fought back to a 60-51 lead in the second half, but it wasn’t enough to get the win. Kobe Bryant finished with 24pts 8 assists, while Trevor Ariza added 21pts and Pau Gasol had 20pts 9 rebounds. Derek Fisher and Andrew Bynum combined for a low 15pts. As a team they shot 55.6% from the field, 46.7% from the arch and 81.2% from the free throw line. They out hustled the Jazz and had a 22pt lead by half time. They must do better off the boards as they were out rebounded by eight and 7-20 on the offensive rebounds.
Recent Trends to Consider:
- Over is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings in Los Angeles.
- Favorite is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
- Home team is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
- Over is 18-6 in the last 24 meetings.
- Jazz are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
- Jazz are 1-9 ATS in the last 10 meetings in Los Angeles.
2009 NBA Playoffs LA Lakers vs Utah Jazz
When: Tues, April 21, 2009 10:30 PM ET
Line: SBGglobal.com
Pick: Lakers -11.5
Point-Spreads.com 2009 NBA Playoffs LA Lakers vs Utah Jazz
The Bottom Line: You’re going to see the Lakers come out with a much improved defense tonight and expect a better Kobe Bryant. Go Lakers! Get your 2009 NBA Playoffs LA Lakers vs Utah Jazz SBGglobal.com and receive a 60% sign-up bonus on your initial deposit!
