Los Angeles Lakers vs Utah Jazz Game 3 Predictions

Written April 23, 2009 by Jason Lowry

Lakers Jazz It wasn’t exactly pretty for the Lakers, but they got the job done and head to Utah up 2-0. The Lakers started game 2 looking like world champions, scoring 41 points and jumping out to an early 12 point lead, but that was the only quarter the Lakers won outright on their way to a 119-109 win. Six different Lakers scored in double figures, with Kobe Bryant leading the way with 26 points and Pau Gasol close behind with 22 points. The big youngster Andrew Bynum started strong making nearly every shot he took, but finished the game with only 10 points and 4 rebounds. The Lakers shot an outstanding 60% from the field, and its a wonder how this team didn’t win this game by 20. One reason that didn’t happen was the play of Utah point guard Deron Williams, who led all scored with 35 points. The Jazz also got a big game from Carlos Boozer, who finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Four other Jazz players scored in double figures in game 2, but this team desperately needs the inside presence of Mehmet Okur to win this series. Okur is still a game time decision to play in game 3. With the game scheduled to get underway Thursday night, here is a quick look at what I think each team has to do to win the game 3, and my prediction on who comes out on top against the spread.

What the Lakers have to do to win: The Lakers have had their struggles against the Jazz on their home court, including last year in the playoffs where they lost both game 3 and 4. The Lakers are the better team there is no question about it, but if they keep letting the Jazz stick around, it’s going to end up costing them. If the Lakers play like they did in the first quarter of game 2 for a full 4 periods, there is no way the Jazz can beat them. I think that Bryant is going to take control of game 3 and make sure the Lakers don’t give the Jazz any hope of winning this series. I was shocked the Bynum was unable to keep it going after his dominating first quarter performance, but one guy who did surprise me was Trevor Ariza, who continued to play well scoring 13 points and dishing out 9 assists. The Lakers once again got great bench play out of Shannon Brown and Lamar Odom, but that was it, as they scored 31 of the Lakers 37 bench points. The Lakers need to slow Williams down or the Jazz are going to continue to be in every game till the series is over. It won’t be easy but I think the Lakers will come out firing in game 3. Bet the Lakers -2 at Sportsbook.com.

What the Jazz have to do to win: I think the key for the Jazz is making sure the Lakers don’t jump out to an early lead like they have in both of the first two games. This team is a much better team at home, so don’t be surprised if they give the Lakers everything they can handle in this one. If Okur is able to play, it will really change the flow of the game for the Jazz, as Okur can stretch the floor and keep either Bynum or Gasol from camping in the lane. Not only does it stretch the floor it gives Boozer a lot more space in the middle. Without Okur its going to be very hard for the Jazz to win this game, as Williams can only do so much on his own. The Jazz will also need to continue to get big time play from reserves Paul Millsap and Andrei Kirilenko, as the two combined to score 23 bench points in game 2. I also think the Jazz need more out of Kyle Korver in game 3. Korver typically doesn’t start for the Jazz, but the sharp shooter has been ice cold in the first two games shooting just 6 for 16. I like the Jazz to keep it close, and if they are going to win a game in the series this is the one. Bet the Jazz +2 at Sportsbook.com.

My Prediction: Lakers -2. I was wrong when I thought the Lakers would dominate game 2 and easily cover the 10.5 point spread, but I don’t think the Lakers will let me down again in game 3. I look for a statement win for the Lakers here in game 3. The Jazz are undermanned and no where near full strength or I would probably pick them to win this game.

For those of you looking to do a little NBA betting on the game, be sure to check out our expert NBA picks and NBA odds from Betfirms.

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