Utah at Los Angeles

Think the Jazz care about playing hard in this final on the road? Utah has lost eight of 10 and won't make the playoffs. They're 24th in the NBA in points surrendered and 16th at defending the 3-pointer, while the offense is 20th in shooting. Utah is 2-11 ATS after covering six or seven of their last eight, as well as 54-70 ATS versus teams that average 23+ assists. Los Angeles is on an 8-2 SU, 5-3-2 ATS run and can guarantee a playoff spot with a win. The Lakers are eighth in the NBA defensively in field goal shooting allowed, second at defending beyond the arc, while the offense is ninth in points scored and 10th in shooting. The Lakers are 23-12 ATS after playing a home game, so back the fired-up home team. Play Los Angeles.