UTAH @ LA LAKERS (LAL -13.5, 233.5)
NBA ODDS, NBA PREDICTIONS, NBA PREVIEWS
JAZZ @ LAKERS 2/8/25
The Los Angeles Lakers are set to debut their newest star: Luka Doncic. Set to play against the Utah Jazz, the excitement surrounding Doncic's debut has been the talk of the town, especially since his anticipated first game with the Lakers was delayed due to a calf injury.
In a trade that took everyone by surprise, the Lakers secured Doncic on Feb. 2 in exchange for Anthony Davis. This deal also brought Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to LA, while sending Max Christie to Dallas. This strategic move has undoubtedly added a fresh dose of youthful energy to the Lakers.
The 25-year-old Doncic has expressed his enthusiasm about playing alongside the four-time MVP and basketball legend, the 40-year-old LeBron James. It's a dream come true for Doncic who has always admired James.
The Lakers continued their winning streak with a recent 124-117 home victory against the Indiana Pacers. Key players Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Jaxson Hayes made contributions to the win, with Reaves scoring a career-high 45 points. The Lakers have now won five straight games and they are 5-0 ATS in those games. LA has also won six straight at home and they are 5-1 SU in the last six games against Utah at home.
Meanwhile, Utah failed to maintain its momentum in a recent 130-110 loss to the LA Clippers. Utah, struggling with an eight-game road losing streak, aims to pick up the pace and end their losing run. Utah is 2-11 SU in its last 13 games. They have only covered the spread three times in their last nine games and they’ve lost 6 of the last 7 against the Lakers. The lone bright spot? The Jazz have covered the spread in 7 of the last 9 against Los Angeles.
The Over has cashed in 4 of the last 5 Lakers games. The Lakers scored 120 points or more in all five games. Utah has seen the Over cash in each of its last three games and four of its last six.
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COACH RICK FREE PICK:
OVER 234.5
This number opened at 232 and is up 2.5 points. The Lakers have been on a tear recently and the offense has been outstanding. The Lakers have scored 120 or more points in each of their last five games. Four of those five went Over the total. On the other end, the Utah defense is straight up garbage. The Jazz rank 28th in the NBA in points allowed per game at 119.1. Each of their last three games has gone Over the total as have four of their last six. It looks like Luka plays his first game tonight for the Lakers who will be juiced up playing at home.