LA Lakers (18-7) vs. Utah Jazz (10-15)
December 18, 2025 9:00 pm EDT
The Line: Utah Jazz +6.5; Over/Under: 243.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Utah Jazz play host to the Los Angeles Lakers at the Delta Center on Thursday night. Here’s a Jazz vs Lakers Prediction. This article will include a Jazz vs Lakers Pick.
Los Angeles Lakers Betting Preview
The Los Angeles Lakers have been in great form as they’ve won 10 of their last 13 games overall and they will be eager to keep it going after sneaking past the Suns in a 116-114 road win on Sunday. Luka Doncic led the team with 28 points and six assists, LeBron James added 26 points with four assists while Deandre Ayton chipped in with 29 points and 13 rebounds. As a team, the Lakers shot 43 percent from the field and seven of 37 from the 3-point line as they dominated most of the contest to lead by as many as 20 points. However, they allowed the Suns to hang around and erase their lead, so it was up to LeBron James who drew the foul and made the game-winning free throws with just 3.0 seconds left in the game.
Utah Jazz Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Utah Jazz have been in fine form as they’ve won four of their past six games overall and they will be aiming for a third straight victory after beating the Mavericks in a 140-133 overtime win on Monday. Keyonte George led the team with 37 points and six assists on 11 of 20 shooting, Lauri Markkanen added 33 points with 16 rebounds and five assists while Kyle Filipowski chipped in with 25 points on nine of 13 shooting. As a team, the Jazz shot 52 percent from the field and 13 of 36 from the 3-point line as they got off to a poor start and allowed 43 points in the first quarter to trail by 10 points. However, they went on a crucial 11-0 run at the end of the fourth quarter to force overtime where they outscored the Mavericks by 11-4 to win comfortably in the end.
Why the Utah Jazz will win
- The Jazz have won each of their last seven home games against the Lakers following a win.
- The Lakers have lost each of their last two games as favorites following a win.
- The Lakers have failed to cover the spread in 10 of their last 11 games as road favorites when playing with a rest advantage.
- The Jazz have covered the spread in seven of their last eight home games against Pacific Division opponents.
Why the Los Angeles Lakers will win
- The Jazz have lost each of their last 13 home games following a home win.
- The Lakers have won each of their last seven games against teams that held a losing record.
- The Lakers have covered the spread in seven of their last eight games against the Jazz after winning as underdogs.
- The Jazz have failed to cover the spread in five of their last six games as underdogs following a win.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Jazz’s last eight games after coming off overtime have gone OVER the total points line.
- Seven of the Lakers’ last eight games as road favorites have gone UNDER the total points line.
Utah Jazz Player Facts
- Keyonte George has scored 35+ points in two consecutive appearances – equal-longest active streak of any player in the league.
- Lauri Markkanen ranks 1st amongst qualified Centers for three-pointers made per game (2.9) this season.
Los Angeles Lakers Player Facts
- Luka Doncic ranks 1st amongst qualified players for points per game (34.7) this season.
- Marcus Smart is one of only four players in the league to have recorded 7+ steals in a game this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Jazz rank 30th in the league for blocks per game this season (3.6).
- The Jazz rank 29th in the league for opponent points per game this season (126.1).
- The Lakers rank 1st in the league for opponent blocks per game this season (3.7).
- The Lakers rank 30th in the league for field goal attempts per game this season (83.0).
Jazz vs Lakers Prediction
The Lakers are still missing Deandre Ayton and Austin Reaves with Gabe Vincent listed as questionable, while the Jazz have ruled out Georges Niang, and they are keeping an eye on Lauri Markkanen who is questionable for this one. This is definitely a game where you should check the lineups before tipoff given the injury cloud hanging over both teams. The Lakers still open as favorites despite their injuries, as they are clearly the team in better form, but the Jazz are a tricky team to beat if they can get momentum at home. They would’ve taken plenty of confidence from their overtime win over the Mavericks on Monday. I wouldn’t be shocked if the Jazz pulled off the upset at home, but I still think the Lakers get the win and cover on the road behind big games from James and Doncic.
