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NBA Playoff Prediction: LA Lakers vs Utah Jazz |
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Written by Scott Burgess
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Friday, 09 May 2008
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 The Utah Jazz are hoping that home court will be their bread and butter tonight when they host the L.A. Lakers in Game 3 of the Western Conference Semi-finals. The Lakers lead the best of seven series 2-0. Oddsmakers at SBGglobal.com have the Jazz as 5-point favorites over the Lakers with the over/under set at 215. Get your NBA Playoff Prediction in now at SBGglobal.com
The Jazz have only lost four games on home court during the regular season, one of which was a 95-106 loss to the Lakers. They are now 1-5 SU against the Lakers, where they average 106 PPG. The Jazz are 4-4 SU in the playoffs. The Lakers have shut down Utah's attempts to get the pick-and-roll rolling and forced the Jazz into taking outside shots, which have not been falling. Utah has also rushed some attempts that led to either turnovers or missed shots that bounced right to the Lakers. If they don’t get their offense rolling, home court won’t be much of an advantage. Top producer Carlos Boozer is just 9 for 24 in this series, he’s stuck outside the lane and missing the mid-range jump shots that went in during the regular season. When he does drive the lane Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol have been there to either swat away the shot or force an awkward attempt. The Jazz are 2-1 SU at home in the playoffs, 10-11 ATS on no day rest and 22-22 over/under at home.
The Lakers are winning like Champions in dominating fashion. They are a perfect 6-0 SU in the playoffs and 2-0 SU on the road. They swept Denver and now they look to sweep Utah. Kobe Bryant was recently given MVP honors before his last game against the Jazz and he showed why he is MVP. He had 34pts, six assists and eight rebounds. He made 11 of 18 from the field, 1 for 2 from beyond the arch and he made 11 of 12 from the free throw line. He’s averaging 35 PPG in two games against the Jazz. Derek Fisher and Pau Gasol have been great for the Lakers and Luke Walton has proven his worth coming off the bench. The Lakers have blocked 17 shots as they pack the lane forcing the field goal. "We obviously have an advantage. What we did was take care of our home court," said Bryant, "Now we've got to try and stop them from taking care of their home court." The Lakers are perfect in the playoffs, 11-6 ATS on no days rest and 19-24 over/under on the road.
Recent Trends to Consider
- Lakers are 8-0 ATS in their last 8 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
- Lakers are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
- Lakers are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 Conference Semifinals games.
- Lakers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games as a road underdog of 5.0-10.5.
- Lakers are 8-0 ATS in their last 8 games following a S.U. win.
- Lakers are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 vs. NBA Northwest.
- Jazz are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
- Jazz are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
- Jazz are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 vs. Western Conference.
GAME: L.A. Lakers Lakers (63-25) at Utah Jazz (58-32)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 09 - 9:00 PM EST
LINE: SBGglobal.com TOTAL: 215
PICK: Lakers +5
The Bottom Line: The Lakers have done it once before and they’ll do it again tonight. They are too good with a team that has talent on and off the bench. Gasol has been a great addition to an already high powered offense. Get your NBA Playoff Prediction in now at SBGglobal.com and receive a 10% sign-up bonus on your initial deposit.
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