The Los Angeles Lakers enter this matchup with an 11-8 record and are set to face off with the 4-15 Utah Jazz. This is the second night of a back-to-back for the Jazz while the Lakers have been off since Friday.
At 39 years old, LeBron James continues to play at an incredibly high level. The 20-time All-Star is averaging 22.3 points, 9.1 assists and 8.2 rebounds on the season.
There are several injuries to note on the Lakers leading up to this game. Christian Wood and Jarred Vanderbilt remain out with their injuries. It was announced earlier this week that Jaxson Hayes will be sidelined for 2-3 weeks due to an ankle injury. In addition, D’Angelo Russell is listed as doubtful due to illness, Austin Reaves is listed as questionable with a pelvis injury, and Anthony Davis is probable as he continues to battle plantar fasciitis. Take note of the final updates before this game tips off.
The Lakers enter this game as 7-point favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook. The Jazz are +240 underdogs on the moneyline with the game total set at 228.5 points.
LeBron James Prop Bets on DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings Sportsbook has set LeBron James’ prop lines for points (23.5), rebounds (7.5), assists (10.5), made three-pointers (1.5), and combined points, rebounds and assists (42.5).
The saying goes that Father Time is undefeated, but LeBron James is putting up as much of a fight as possible. The four-time MVP still shows flashes of being capable of leading the team, but Anthony Davis is handling a larger responsibility of the production this season. Davis is playing like a borderline MVP and has averaged 28.4 points, 11.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.1 blocks per game. While his play should be celebrated, it has also resulted in James taking a statistical step back.
Whether this is by design to preserve James’ body or a sign that he may finally be on the decline, it is worth noting. James has been held to 18 points or fewer in each of the past four games. He has also been held below 23.5 points in 12 of the 19 games on the season overall. In the most recent matchup against the Thunder, James was held to a season-low 12 points in 33:31 of game time. He has also failed to make a three-pointer in each of the past two games.
The Utah Jazz have had some struggles defensively this season. Overall, they rank 27th in opponent points per game. It also should be noted that James finished with 26 points in the first matchup between these two teams.
Even still, the recent track record should be a bit more telling and this is not a matchup I expect James to break out. Los Angeles is the far more talented team and this game has some blowout potential, which would also limit the need for James to score. Look for him to stay in neutral until a more notable matchup pops on the schedule and for James to impact the game in other areas. Count on him to remain under 23.5 points for the fifth consecutive game and capitalize on the -105 odds.
The Pick: Under 23.5 Points (-105)
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All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, lines and odds subject to change.
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