Get In on the Playoff Action – Jazz at Lakers Game 2

Winless in three years at the Staples Center, the Utah Jazz look to do the unthinkable and steal one on the road as they take on the Los Angeles Lakers tonight at 10:30 PM ET in Game Two of the series.

Utah came from a 14 point deficit in Game One and even was four points ahead in the fourth quarter, but failed to close the game and ended up losing the match by the hands of Kobe Bryant, a script that repeats over and over in every close Lakers’ game.

NBA Betting Odds:

Utah Jazz +5.5

LA Lakers -5.5

O/U 198.5

The Jazz is 0-12 in the last three years at the Staples Center and in the first game were unable to match the interior style of the Lakers. Jerry Sloan knows if they want a shot at this, they need to stop Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, and to hope Kobe Bryant has an off night, which is something that didn’t happen in Game One.

Los Angeles, on the other side, needs the same amount of contribution from the bench. The substitutes had 22 points in the first meeting; however, it will be ideal if Lamar Odom realizes that he is the man from the bench the Lakers need bigger production from.

Also the Lakers probably should put Artest or even Kobe to guard Deron Williams, as the point guard is having an amazing playoffs stage, averaging almost 26 points per game. LA should learn from their mistakes; keep in mind that against Oklahoma City, Russell Westbrook was a nightmare until Kobe picketed him.

Betting trends say UTAH is 18-4 ATS coming off a road loss and 8-2 ATS in a road game where the total is between 195 and 199.5 points. Consider also that Utah is 5-2 ATS in this season playoffs games.

The Lakers are 9-18 ATS off ATS wins in 2 of their last 3 games, 6-13 ATS on Tuesday nights and 1-3 ATS when leading in a playoff series.

My NBA Free pick: The Lakers will win but they won’t cover.> > JOIN NOW!