The Los Angeles Lakers look to string together back-to-back wins for the first time in December when they visit the Utah Jazz tonight.
It won’t be easy, though, as Utah is playing its best stretch of basketball of the season. Yet, despite the Jazz’s uptick in play, the Lakers are still 7-point road favorites in the NBA odds.
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My Lakers vs Jazz predictions and NBA picks have a few key injuries holding these normally high-scoring teams Under the total at the Delta Center on Thursday night.
Lakers vs Jazz prediction
Lakers vs Jazz best bet: Under 243.5 (-110)
After a sizzling 15-4 start to the year, the Los Angeles Lakers have gone 3-3 over their last six, alternating wins and losses.
Last time out, they dispatched the Phoenix Suns 116-114 to kick off their 4-game road trip.
While it was no defensive masterpiece, it was just the second time in their last six that LA held an opponent to Under 120 points.
The Lakers will be looking for their third straight win in this year’s season series with the Utah Jazz, after taking both ends of a home-and-home set in November.
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But Utah is clicking right now. Already a Top-10 team in scoring this season, the Jazz are a Top-4 unit in the last six, averaging a healthy 123.2 points per game on 47.6% shooting from the field and a crisp 38.5% from 3-point range.
However, even though the Jazz are cooking, and the Over has cashed in six of the last eight, notable injuries have the Under looking mighty tempting.
Utah’s Lauri Markkanen (groin) is a game-time decision, while reserve Georges Niang is out with a foot injury.
For LA, Austin Reeves continues to rehab his calf strain and will miss this game, as will big man DeAndre Ayton (elbow), while Gabe Vincent (back) is considered questionable.
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That’s just enough sidelined firepower on both teams to make that total a little too high for my liking.
Lakers vs Jazz same-game parlay
We’re taking a flier on LeBron James, as he’s coming off a 26-point effort in a win over Phoenix. He’s now averaging 24.7 points per game over the last three, topping his 22.5 scoring line twice.
With Austin Reeves still injured, James needs to step into that second go-to guy behind Luka Doncic.
Keyonte George is coming off back-to-back 30-bombs in wins over the Mavericks and Grizzlies. He’s now averaging 26.5 points and 6.5 assists per game in December, while shooting 48% from the floor and 43.6% from 3-point range.
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Lakers vs Jazz SGP
LeBron James Over 21.5 points
Keyonte George Over 25.5 points
Our “from downtown” SGP: Filling in the blanks
Doncic has yet to drop five moneyballs in a game in December, as he’s gone Under his 4.5 threes line in 10 out of the last 12 games.
With Deandre Ayton out, rebounds need to be accounted for. Forward Rui Hachimura has been working the glass of late, pulling down at least five rebounds in three of the last four games.
Lakers vs Jazz SGP
LeBron James Over 21.5 points
Keyonte George Over 25.5 points
Luka Doncic Under 4.5 threes
Rui Hachimura Over 4.5 rebounds
Lakers vs Jazz odds
Spread: Lakers -300 | Jazz +240
Moneyline: Lakers -7.5 (-110) | Jazz +7.5 (-110)
Over/Under: Over 243.5 (-110) | Under 243.5 (-110)
Lakers vs Jazz betting trend to know
LA has won 10 of the 13 games they’ve been moneyline favorite this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Lakers vs. Jazz.
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How to watch Lakers vs Jazz
Location
Delta Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Date
Thursday, December18, 2025
Tip-off
9:00 p.m. ET
TV
Spectrum SportsNet, KJZZ
Lakers vs Jazz latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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