The Lakers (11-4) and Utah Jazz (5-10) will go at it once again on Sunday but this time on the latter’s home court. L.A. is looking for its fourth win in a row and second against the Jazz.
Start time and TV schedule
Who: Los Angeles
Lakers vs. Utah Jazz
When: 5 p.m. PT, Nov. 23
Where: Delta Center
Watch: Spectrum Sportsnet
After a nice four-day break, the Lakers should be able to compete with fresh legs. They’ll need it not just because they’re going to be playing in Utah — a tough environment to play in — but also because the Jazz will approach this one with vengeance on their mind. L.A. may have proven that they’re the superior team in their dominant victory last Tuesday but as it has been the case throughout time, it’s never easy to defeat the same team twice in a row.
That’s particularly true against a Jazz team that’s now on a two-game losing streak and is eager to get back in the win column. In Tuesday’s game, the Lakers had no answer for Keyonte George, who shot 56.5% from the field and 38.5% from the 3-point line. Same with Lauri Markkanen, who put up 31 points on 57.1% shooting, but the purple and gold were talented enough to match their firepower and overwhelm them with their offense.
With LeBron James expected to play his first road game of the season, it’ll be nice to see another complete performance from him. James put on a passing clinic last game and it’ll be interesting to see if that continues for the second straight game. It’ll be another opportunity to see how this team fits alongside each other, especially now that they’re healthier than ever.
Utah will likely counter the Lakers’ scoring inside the paint, where they were dominated (74-56) last game. They don’t have an answer for Luka Dončić either but expect them to maximize their ability to score, which they will likely be more confident doing at home. This game will be a chess match between JJ Redick and Will Hardy.
But Redick certainly knows he has the upper hand in terms of talent and if he gets another impressive game from Dončić, James, Reaves and the rest of the team, then it should be another victory for the Lakers. It’s not going to be as easy, but it’s one this team has shown this season that they can pull off because they’re simply that good.
Now, let’s see if the Lakers make me look good after saying all that with another nice win in their rematch against the Jazz on Sunday.
Notes and Updates
- For the Lakers’ injury report, Bronny James (G-league assignment) and Adou Thiero (G-league assignment are out.
- As for the Jazz, Kessler (left shoulder injury) and Georges Niang (fourth metatarsal stress reaction) are out.
You can follow Nicole on Twitter at @nicoleganglani.
