The Los Angeles Lakers (18-7) and Utah Jazz (10-15) will face off in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 9:00 p.m. ET from the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. The game will be broadcast live on KJZZ.
The Lakers are 8.5-point favorites over the Jazz on the spread (Lakers -8.5), with the over/under set at 243.5 total points. Los Angeles is a -325 to win outright on the moneyline, while Utah is +260 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Lakers vs. Jazz predictions and NBA picks for Thursday, December 18.
My Lakers vs Jazz Prediction
- Lakers vs Jazz pick: Marcus Smart Over 13.5 Points & Assists (-126)
My Jazz vs Lakers best bet is on Marcus Smart over 13.5 points and assists, with the best price currently available at DraftKings. However, make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Lakers vs Jazz Odds
| Lakers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-8.5 +100 | 243.5 -115o / -105u | -325 |
| Jazz Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+8.5 -120 | 243.5 -115o / -105u | +260 |
Lakers vs Jazz NBA Preview
With Austin Reaves missing time due to injury, Marcus Smart has stepped into the Lakers' starting lineup and seen an uptick in his minutes.
As a result, he has played 28 and 32 minutes over the last two games, and with that playing time, Smart cleared this number in both games.
He projects for 32 minutes here in this elite matchup against the Jazz, and as a result, I have Smart projected for 13.3 points and four assists.
Lakers vs Jazz Prediction, Betting Analysis
The Jazz are a fantastic matchup when it comes to betting player prop overs, as they have played at the 2nd-fastest pace in the NBA and rank 30th in defensive efficiency.
They also are a great matchup for three-point shooters, as they have allowed the 2nd-most threes per game.
So, I'll back Smart to go over 13.5 points + assists in tonight's contest in Utah.
Pick: Marcus Smart Over 13.5 Points & Assists (-126)
