Last month LeBron James was involved in more than a few controversies that had the sports media abuzz. To some, James was displaying a level of hubris and arrogance that comes with not having to really answer to anyone. While to others it was just James being his normal outspoken self. But soon after his war of words on politics, NFL owners, and the Lakers commitment to winning he got hurt. James is out until mid-January with a groin issue. And without their superstar the Los Angeles Lakers have suffered a drop-in value for NBA games betting odds.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Utah Jazz
Date and Time: Friday, January 11, 2019, 10 p.m. ET
Location: Vivint Smart Home Arena, Salt Lake City, UT
NBA Betting Online Odds at SBG:
Lakers vs. Jazz TV Coverage: ESPN
Utah Jazz
Following a slow start the Utah Jazz have rebounded with much better NBA games betting value. Utah is now 20-20 straight up, 20-19-1 against the spread and 20-19-1 over the total. Further, the Jazz have lost just three of their last 10 games on the board. Just one of their last four has failed to clear the total. Metrics wise Utah ranks 21st in the NBA for scoring offense but fifth for points against. As a result, Utah is fourth in the Northwest Division. Guard Donovan Mitchell leads the attack with 20.2 points per game.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers have paid in just one of their last five games. Correspondingly LA now stands at 21-19 straight up, 16-23-1 vs. the odds, and 15-24-1 under the total. Los Angeles has fallen to third place in the Pacific Division. Certainly, the loss of James has been quite damaging to the Lakers online sportsbook value. And it exposes just how dependent they are upon James for their success. Los Angeles ranks 10th in the NBA for scoring offense and 18th for points allowed.
Stats to Consider
Late on Utah has become quite profitable at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz have gotten the money in six of their last eight home games. Six of their last seven home court matchups went under the total. Balanced against that is the Lakers subpar betting value in road games. LA has covered just four of their last 10 matchups away from home. Four of their last six road tilts have gone over the total.
Team vs. Team
At the beginning of this head to head series the Lakers have had the edge. LA has paid in six of their last nine games against Utah. Four of the last six between these teams have gone under the total. Consistent with that is the Lakers success at Utah. Los Angles has covered in three of their last four visits to Vivant Home Smart Arena. Three of those four games went under the total.
Matchup to Watch
Most important of all in this matchup is the absence of James. As was previously noted the Jazz have shown improved value with NBA games betting odds. Balanced against that has been the slump by LA. Most of all it’s a reminder of how bad the Lakers were before James arrival.
Lakers vs. Jazz NBA games Betting Odds Picks
Utah gets the call in this one!
Lakers vs. Jazz NBA Betting Online Pick: Utah Jazz
Lakers vs. jazz NBA Betting Online Score Prediction: Jazz 98, Lakers 90
Catch highlights of Utah’s recent win at Detroit!