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The struggling LA Lakers will visit the Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City to take on the Utah Jazz on Thursday. The two teams are facing off for the third and final time this season, with the Lakers winning both their previous clashes. The Purple and Gold will attempt to sweep the season series, as the Jazz are struggling of late.
The Lakers (31-44) are 10th in the West, with the 11th-place San Antonio Spurs (31-45) breathing down their necks. They are just half a game ahead of the Spurs, so a loss will send the Lakers out of the play-in spots.
LeBron James and Co. are on the verge of missing the playoffs this season. If they don't secure some victories in their remaining seven games, they could find themselves eliminated.
Meanwhile, the Jazz (45-31) are not doing too well themselves. They have lost six of their last nine games, including the last five. They have now plummeted to sixth in the West, with the surging seventh-place Minnesota Timberwolves (43-34) just 2.5 games behind.
The Jazz are struggling at both ends of the floor, and they have the sixth-toughest schedule remaining in the league. If coach Quin Snyder and his men don't get some wins now, they could be out of the playoff spots and move into the play-in tournament.
LA Lakers Injury Report
LeBron James is ruled out due to an ankle sprain, while Wenyen Gabriel is listed as questionable due to the same reason.
Meanwhile, Anthony Davis is doubtful due to a midfoot sprain, while Kendrick Nunn remains out with a bone bruise in his knee. Nunn will probably not see the floor for the Lakers this season. Mason Jones has been sent to the NBA G-League because of being on a two-way deal.
Utah Jazz Injury Report
The Jazz have Rudy Gobert back in the lineup, but backup centers Hassan Whiteside and Udoka Azubuike are both out.
Bojan Bogdanovic remains questionable due to a strained calf, while Danuel House Jr. is also listed the same due to a bone bruise in his knee. Moreover, Trent Forrest has been put in concussion protocol.
LA Lakers vs Utah Jazz Betting Odds & Spreads - March 31st, 2022
Both teams are struggling of late, but the game is at Salt Lake City, which gives the Jazz homecourt advtange. Moreover, the Lakers will not have LeBron James, which could hamper their chances of winning.
Odds sourced from FanDuel SB.
LA Lakers vs Utah Jazz Betting Tips
LA Lakers
- The Lakers are 6-14 without LeBron James.
- The Lakers are 11-26 on the road
- Russell Westbrook is averaging 6.9 assists in his last 10 games.
Click here to register on FanDuel and bet on Russell Westbrook getting a triple-double.
Utah Jazz
- The Jazz are 26-11 at home.
- Donovan Mitchell is shooting 92% from the free-throw line in his last six games.
- The Jazz are on a five-game losing streak.
Click here to register on FanDuel and bet on Donovan Mitchell making more than five threes.
LA Lakers vs Utah Jazz: Predicted Lineups
LA Lakers
Russell Westbrook should retain his usual point guard position, with Austin Reaves joining him in the backcourt. Malik Monk could start as the small forward while Stanley Johnson starts as the power forward. Dwight Howard might return to the lineup as the center. Talen Horton-Tucker could come off the bench.
Utah Jazz
The Jazz could deploy their ideal lineup if Bogdanovic plays. Mike Conley and Donovan Mitchell should start in the backcourt while Bogdanovic plays the small forward, as usual. Royce O'Neale will likely play power forward while Rudy Gobert retains his center position. Jordan Clarkson should come off the bench.
- The Lakers are 20th in the league in perimeter defense.
- The Jazz are fifth in the league in rebounding.
- Rudy Gobert is averaging 2.2 blocks per game.
Click here to register on FanDuel and bet on Rudy Gobert getting more than two blocks.
LA Lakers vs Utah Jazz: Predicted Starting 5s
LA Lakers
G - Russell Westbrook | G - Austin Reaves | F - Malik Monk | F - Stanley Johnson | C - Dwight Howard.
Utah Jazz
G - Mike Conley | G - Donovan Mitchell | F - Jordan Clarkson | F - Royce O'Neale | C - Rudy Gobert.
