The Los Angeles Lakers will be once again facing the Utah Jazz in what is expected to be a heated Sunday night showdown. This game comes within just five days of the Lakers and the Jazz facing each other for the first time this season on November 18. In that matchup, LeBron James made his season debut as well, putting up 11 points and 12 assists in 30 minutes.
In the previous matchup at Los Angeles, the Lakers emerged victorious with a 140-126 score-line. Once again, Luka Doncic weaved his magic to lead the Lakers to another victory, posting 37 points, five rebounds, 10 assists, and four steals. The Jazz’s Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George put up tough competition as well, scoring 31 and 34 points, respectively, to an eventual loss.
So, how will these two teams square up for the second time this season? Let’s find out.
Prediction
The Lakers are on a hot streak like never before. So far this season, the purple and gold boast an 11-4 record, the fourth best in the league. They are coming off a great start as well, with a three-game winning streak and a 8-2 record in their last 10 games.
The Jazz, on the other hand, are showing signs of inconsistencies. They hold a 5-10 record in the league, despite Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George showing All-Star calibre. The Jazz have also allowed the second-most points and most assists per game to opponents, which is likely a red flag going forward against facing the Lakers.
Considering the form the Lakers are having at the moment, this matchup seems like an easy win on the road. ESPN’s matchup predictor estimates a 85.4% chance for the Lakers to win this game.
Lakers vs Jazz Lineup
Lakers Lineup
PG: Luka Doncic
SG: Austin Reaves
SF: LeBron James
PF: Rui Hachimura
C: DeAndre Ayton
Jazz Lineup
PG: Keyonte George
SG: Ace Bailey
SF: Svi Mykhailiuk
PF: Lauri Markkanen
C: Jusuf Nurkic
Injuries
The Lakers will show up at full strength for this matchup against the Utah Jazz. On the hindsight, Bronny James and rookie forward Adou Thiero have been assigned to Lakers’ G-League affiliate team, South Bay Lakers. The only concern that could be an issue is Deandre Ayton reportedly suffering from an illness. He did not attend practice on Saturday but is expected to suit up for the matchup on Sunday.
The Utah Jazz face some concerns with the availability of their roster. Walker Kessler will sit out on this game due to a left-shoulder recovery, which might affect with the lack of rebounding for the team. Georges Niang is also sitting out for this game due to a left-foot stress reaction.
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