Los Angeles at Utah

This one is showing a big point spread because the Lakers are off a bad game while Utah is off an impressive blowout win on the road. But the L.A. Lakers have plenty of young talent, at #10 in the NBA in points scored, while the defense has improved significantly under coach Luke Walton to #11 in field goal shooting allowed, plus third in the NBA at defending the three-pointer. Los Angeles power forward Julius Randle is averaging 23 points over the past 11 games. Utah is off a rout at Minnesota, 121-97, but the team has failed to cover six of its last eight. They were a double-digit favorite two games ago at home to Memphis and failed to cover. They were also a 14-point favorite over Atlanta and lost straight up, 99-94. The Jazz prefer a slow tempo, #22 in the NBA in scoring, #14 in field goal shooting. Utah has failed to cover four straight home games and this line is way too high for a team that doesn't put a lot of points on the board. Play the L.A. Lakers.