Los Angeles Lakers vs Utah Jazz Picks and Predictions for Thursday December 18 2025
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Los Angeles Lakers vs Utah Jazz picks take center stage on Thursday night, and I am breaking down this Western Conference matchup with one of my favorite free NBA picks on the board. This is the third meeting in the last month between these teams, and the trends point toward another competitive and high-scoring battle in Salt Lake City.
TLDR: Quick Picks and Prediction
- Spread: Utah +7.5
- Total: Over 243
- Projected Final Score: Lakers 126, Jazz 121
Odds and Line Movement
| Team | Spread |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles Lakers | -7.5 (-110) |
| Utah Jazz | +7.5 (-110) |
Line Movement - Spread
| Date | Lakers | Jazz |
|---|---|---|
| 12/18 | -7.5 (-110) | +7.5 (-110) |
| 12/17 | -6.5 (-110) | +6.5 (-110) |
| 12/16 | -6 (-110) | +6 (-110) |
Line Movement - Total
| Date | Over | Under |
|---|---|---|
| 12/18 | 243 (-114) | 243 (-106) |
| 12/17 | 242 (-112) | 242 (-108) |
| 12/16 | 241 (-115) | 241 (-105) |
Key Matchups and Game Preview
This is the third meeting in the last month between the Lakers and Jazz, and while Los Angeles has won both previous matchups, Utah has been feisty in each. The Jazz nearly pulled an outright upset as a nine-point home underdog just before Thanksgiving, and that game featured the Lakers at full strength with LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves all available.
Despite the talent edge, the Lakers have struggled to create separation lately. Los Angeles is just 3-3 straight-up and against the spread over its last six games, and those three wins came by margins of three, four and two points. Seven of the Lakers last nine games have gone over the total, largely because the offense has remained efficient while the defense has been leaky.
Utah enters this matchup riding momentum after back-to-back wins over Memphis and Dallas. Five of the Jazz last six games have gone over the total, and over the last ten games, Utah is playing at the fastest pace in the league. That tempo pairs well with a Lakers team that ranks top five over that span in offensive rating, effective field goal percentage and true shooting percentage.
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Injuries play a key role in the handicap. Lakers center Deandre Ayton has been ruled out and Austin Reaves is expected to miss this contest with a calf strain. Utah forward Lauri Markkanen is listed as questionable, but even if he is limited, the Jazz pace and shot volume should remain aggressive.
Betting Trends for LAL and UTA
- Seven of the Lakers last nine games have gone over the total.
- Five of Utah last six games have gone over the total.
- The Lakers are 3-3 straight-up and against the spread over their last six games.
Key Injuries and Things To Know for LAL and UTA
- Deandre Ayton has been ruled out for Los Angeles.
- Austin Reaves is expected to miss the game with a calf strain.
- Lauri Markkanen is listed as questionable for Utah.
Side and Over and Under Picks
- Side: Utah +7.5
- Total: Over 243
Final Score Prediction
Lakers 126, Jazz 121
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