Prediction and betting odds for Lakers vs. Jazz

The Los Angeles Lakers visit the Utah Jazz on Sunday, and if you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research, you’re in luck! We’ll give you the latest point spread, money line odds and over/under number, as well as the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet.

The Lakers defeated the Jazz by 14 points and scored a season-high 140 points on Tuesday at Crypto.com Arena, and the two teams will meet again, this time in Salt Lake City. While the Lakers seem to be coalescing into something approaching a contender with an 11-4 record, the Jazz are struggling to get into the Western Conference play-in picture, as they have a 5-10 mark.

The Lakers will return home after this game and play each of their next four contests in L.A. before heading out for a six-game road trip right afterward.

The lines, courtesy of BetMGM

• Point spread: Lakers -9.5

• Money line: Lakers -450/ Jazz +333

Lakers vs Jazz injury reports

Lakers: No injuries reported

Jazz: Walker Kessler (left shoulder injury recovery) and Georges Niang (left foot fourth metatarsal stress reaction) are out.

Advice and Prediction:

There is little reason to believe that this game will go much differently than Tuesday’s matchup did. The Lakers may not be a high-powered offensive juggernaut, but LeBron James is healthy and back in action, and as he eases his way back into the swing of things, one should expect him to gradually assert him more on the offensive end.

As was the case on Tuesday, they have to focus on containing Lauri Markkanen, the Utah frontcourt player who is averaging 29.9 points a game. He scored 22 of his 31 points on Tuesday in the first half as Utah opened up a sizable lead early, and Los Angeles may not have anyone who can sufficiently guard him on the perimeter, as he’s a seven-footer.

Guard Keyonte George also needs to be dealt with. He’s having a breakout season and is putting up 22.8 points a game this season, but he went off for 34 points while shooting 13-of-23 from the field on Tuesday.

The Jazz are 27th in defensive rating, so Los Angeles needs to jump on them early and never give them any hope. If James and company do that, a relatively easy victory should be the result.

Prediction: Lakers 126, Jazz 115

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.