Los Angeles at Utah

The road for Utah has been a struggle at times, but to steal a line from the Wizard of Oz, "There's no place like home." What has been a year of streaks in the NBA has found another building momentum in Utah. The Jazz have captured 19 in a row on their home-court. It isn't a streak that has been laden with cupcakes either, as they are a perfect 7-0 vs teams over .500. The resume has even more. The last 16 they have played vs .500+ teams at home have resulted in a 15-1 SU record with nine coming by double-digits and 13 by 6 points or more! They are 14-5 ATS during this 19 game whirlwind of wins. The only trouble they have had is picking the pocket of Vegas when they are a huge favorite. They have gone 9-7 ATS when favored by 9 or more. They are lining the pockets for their backers when they are a favorite at home of 8.5 or less to the tune of 13-1 ATS! The Lakers had a nice run of their own, playing good basketball and posting victories in 13 of 14. But they have since cooled off, having dropped three of five. In their last eleven games they have been bad versus the number, going just 4-7 ATS. Injuries are beginning to take their toll. Bynum has been out for a long time, now Gasol (ankle) is sidelined, and Kobe not only has the finger problem, but now an injured hip as well. That's not good timing coming to Utah without a full deck, and playing sub-par of late. Especially when facing a team that plays good at home, and beat up on the Lakers by 24 early. The Jazz are the value laden team here, and the streak hits 20.