The LA Lakers will be without LeBron James (groin) for a ninth straight game. They defeated Detroit their last time out but are just 2-6-1 ATS in their last nine games following a straight up win. I don't think they'll be able to hang around with the Utah Jazz in Friday night's late ESPN matchup.

The Jazz were off to a slow start of their 106-93 win over Orlando on Wednesday but cranked it up in the second half to come back from a 21-point deficit. I expect them to be on their toes from the start here, looking to avenge a 90-83 loss at LA on Nov 23.

The Jazz have won 11 of the last 13 meetings in the series, and by an average margin of 10.9 points at that. Jazz are 7-2 ATS in their last nine home games and 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 games playing on one days rest.

8* play on Utah Jazz.