The L.A. Lakers can close out the Western Conference Semi-finals tonight when the Utah Jazz host the Lakers. The Lakers lead the best of seven series 3-2 but we might be looking at a Game 7 due to the Jazz superb record at home. Oddsmakers at BetUS.com have the Jazz as 3 ½-point favs over the Lakers with the over/under set at 212 ½. Get your NBA Playoff Prediction in now at BetUS.com
The Jazz had their most competitive road performance of the series, but still couldn't overcome the Lakers, even as Kobe Bryant played conservatively with a bad back. They lost 111-104 despite almost tying the game with 20 seconds left. Utah had several other missed opportunities, but still was within one point in the final minutes. Deron Williams has been averaging nearly 23pts and 11 assists in this series. He scored 27pts on Wednesday and had 10 assists. The rest of the Jazz haven't been as consistent. Sloan said he was disappointed in some outside shots his players took quickly Wednesday night instead of setting up the offense and giving the inside players a chance at the rebound. The Jazz have averaged 103 PPG at home where they are 5-0 SU. They went 37-5 at home this season. The Jazz are 27-17 ATS on one day rest.
The Lakers got a huge win considering Kobe Bryant had back issues. The league MVP's back stiffened up in the fourth quarter and he did not attempt a field goal in the period, but still finished with 26 points, seven assists and six rebounds. Kobe is the best there is right now! Pau Gasol, Lamar Odem and Derek Fisher have been great throughout this series. Odem leads the Lakers averaging 10 RPG and Gasol field goal and lane driving has been a force to reckon with. The Lakers have averaged 105 PPG on the road in the playoffs where they are 2-2 SU and 7-2 SU overall in the playoffs. The Lakers are 27-23 ATS on one day rest.
Recent Trends to Consider
- Lakers are 7-1-1 ATS in their last 9 games as a road underdog.
- Lakers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games as a road underdog of 0.5-4.5.
- Lakers are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 1 days rest.
- Lakers are 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 games overall.
- Jazz are 6-0-1 ATS in their last 7 playoff games as a favorite of 0.5-4.5.
- Jazz are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
- Jazz are 14-3-1 ATS in their last 18 games as a home favorite of 0.5-4.5.
- Lakers are 7-3-1 ATS in the last 11 meetings.
- Over is 13-6 in the last 19 meetings.
GAME: L.A. Lakers Lakers (64-27) at Utah Jazz (60-33)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 16 – 10:30 PM EST
LINE: BetUS.com TOTAL: 212 ½
PICK: Lakers +3 ½
The Bottom Line: The best way to help Kobe get healthy is with a big win tonight so he has lots of time to rest. His teammates owe it to the MVP. They will do whatever it takes to win tonight. Get your NBA Playoff Prediction in now at BetUS.com
