An inability to beat the rival Clippers at all is likely going to relegate the Los Angeles Lakers to the NBA play-in tournament, but there is still a chance for a different outcome heading into this afternoon’s regular season finale against the Utah Jazz (3:30 pm ET, ESPN).
Along with a win over the Jazz (37-44), who are already eliminated from playoff and play-in contention, the Lakers (42-39) need the Golden State Warriors (43-38) at Portland, who is also already eliminated from contention.
Will L.A. handily take care of their part of that scenario? Read on for our Jazz vs Lakers prediction, as well as our betting picks for today’s action from the Crypto.com Arena.
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Utah Jazz vs Los Angeles Lakers Odds
Odds are via BetOnline as of Sunday, April 9, 2023.
Spread
- Utah Jazz +16.5 (-110)
- Los Angeles Lakers -16.5 (-110)
Over/Under
- Over 231.5 (-110)
- Under 231.5 (-110)
Moneyline
- Utah Jazz +870
- Los Angeles Lakers -1500
Lakers Look to Stay Hot Entering Play-In (Or Playoffs?)
Given that the Trail Blazers are also no longer in contention to reach the playoffs or play-in and are 2-14 in their last 16 games, it’s difficult to envision them giving the Lakers a helping hand with a win over the Warriors.
But whether they somehow end up landing the #6 seed or they have to prepare for a play-in matchup with either the New Orleans Pelicans or Minnesota Timberwolves, who face off this afternoon with the #8 spot likely going to the winner.
But regardless of what happens today, the Lakers will head into their next contest as one of the hottest teams in the NBA.
They and the Pelicans are the only two teams in the league who are 8-2 SU in their last 10 games, and in that time, L.A. has posted a 6-4-0 ATS record. Over their last 23 games, the Lakers are 16-7 SU and 14-9-0 ATS, which has ensured that there will be at least some form of postseason basketball for the Lake Show.
One of those 16 SU wins is a 135-133 overtime win at Utah just five days ago, which saw Los Angeles squander a double-digit halftime lead but pull out the win in the extra period.
Despite coming out on the short end in that contest and in most of their games recently, the Jazz have been good money for bettors. They have won just two of their last eight games, but in that stretch, they are 6-2-0 ATS, including a cover as a double-digit dog in Tuesday night’s loss to the Lakers.
Utah Jazz vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction and Best Bets
Prediction for Utah Jazz vs Los Angeles Lakers: Lakers to win
Best Bet for Utah Jazz vs Los Angeles Lakers: Lakers -16.5
Sure, Tuesday’s game was a tight one, but at that point, the Jazz were still in contention and had something to play for.
Utah did win at home against the Nuggets yesterday, but Denver has mailed it in down the stretch with the #1 seed already locked up. I don’t expect the Lakers to let the Jazz hang around for four quarters this time around
Best Player Prop Bets for Utah Jazz vs Los Angeles Lakers
- Austin Reaves over 16.5 points (Bovada Sportsbook)
In his last six games, Reaves has scored 19, 15, 18, 28, 20, and 22 points. Look for him to continue that nice run in today’s regular season finale.