Jazz vs. Lakers NBA Playoffs Pick
Here is your free pick on the Jazz vs. Lakers game. Odds on this game and better were available at betED.com here. Be sure to use bonus code GAMBLING911 to claim your free cash bonus when joining.
The Los Angeles Lakers host the Utah Jazz in Game 1 of their Western Conference Semi-Final. Both teams come off very competitive series in which they each won in 6 games. The Lakers are 7 point favorites, with a total of 200 points expected this afternoon. ABC will broadcast the game at 3:30 EDT.
Los Angeles might have won the battle with Oklahoma City, but they lost the war. Center Andrew Bynum had an MRI on his knee, and his status is unknown. Forward Ron Artest is still dealing with lingering health issues, as is star Guard Kobe Bryant. The good news is the fact the Lakers are playing the Utah Jazz in the 2nd Round, the team they have eliminated each of the past two seasons. The Lakers are very familiar with the Jazz style of play, and they will look to continue their playoff demolition of them. F Pau Gasol is averaging 18 PPG and 12 RPG in the postseason, and has been arguably the Lakers best player during the postseason. Bryant is going to have to take on a bigger role scoring this series, if he is physically able to. Bryant is only averaging 23 PPG in the playoffs, far below his season average. The Lakers are 61-27 SU and 36-49-3 ATS overall this year. Los Angeles is a powerful 37-7 SU at home this season, but they've struggled of late from an ATS angle. The Lakers are only 4-10-1 ATS in their last 15 home games.
The Lakers are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games following a SU win. The Under is 7-0 in their last 7 games against a team with a winning SU record.
Utah pulled a series upset of the Denver Nuggets, as they won 4-2 to advance to the 2nd Round. Utah wasn't expected to do much when Center Mehmet Okur went out for the rest of the season with an injury. Utah has struggled both in the playoffs and the regular season with the Lakers. This year alone, the Jazz lost 3 of the 4 regular season games with the Lakers. 3 of those losses were by double digits. PG Deron Williams will look to continue his spectacular play in the playoffs, as he has made history as the only player to ever have 20 PTS and 10 assists in as many consecutive playoff games as he has. Williams is exactly the type of speedy guard that gives the Lakers fits. Williams is averaging 25.8 PPG and 10 APG so far in the playoffs. F Carlos Boozer is averaging 22.5 PPG and 13 RPG in the postseason, combining with Williams to be a very potent combination. Utah is 57-31 SU and 53-32-3 ATS overall this season. The Jazz are an even 22-22 SU on the road this season. The Jazz have lost by double figures in their past 6 games played at the Staples center.
The Jazz are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games as a road underdog. The Over is 4-0 in their last 4 road games against a team with a winning home record.
Pregame.com projects the final score to be 106-102 in favor of the Los Angeles Lakers. The Over 200 is the Total of the Day!
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Johnny Detroit, Gambling911.com
