Game Preview: Lakers vs Jazz

The Los Angeles Lakers will host the Utah Jazz tonight, with LA playing on the first night of a back-to-back. The Lakers are coming off a close win over the Houston Rockets as LeBron James lead the way with 37 points and the game winning free throw, elevating the Lakers to two games ahead of .500. Anthony Davis is probable for tonight’s matchup. LeBron James and Jalen Hood-Schifino are questionable. Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent remain out.

Clarkson Caution

Ex-Laker Jordan Clarkson has been on fire over his last 5 games, averaging 30 points a game while shooting 39% from three and 92% from the free throw line. LA needs to contain Clarkson early as he is a microwave scorer – if he gets going he can make it a long night for the Laker defense.

Crash the Boards

The Lakers are going up against the league’s second best offensive rebounding team in Utah tonight, so it will be all-hands-on-deck on the boards. LA has been awful when it comes to giving up second chance points this season. They’ll need to ensure that that area of their defense is tightened up, or they will be in for a world of trouble.

In-Season Tournament Ramifications

The Lakers enter tonight 3-0 in the in-season tournament with the chance to go 4-0, securing their spot in the quarterfinals. Are LA able to pick up a win on the first leg of the back to back? A loss prolongs the Lakers’ road to the knockout stages. Tip off is at 10 ET as the Lakers look to advance.