Los Angeles Lakers vs Utah Jazz Picks and Prediction for Sunday October 25 2026
The Sunday NBA schedule will get started with a matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Utah Jazz. Tipoff is scheduled for October 25, 2026 at 5:00 pm EST from the Delta Center. The game will be streamed on NBA League Pass. The Lakers have been installed as a 6.5 point road favorite and the total is sitting at 236.5. Be ready for all of this season's NBA action with our free NBA picks.
Los Angeles off to a 2-0 start
The Los Angeles Lakers have reached the postseason in six of the last seven years and were swept by Oklahoma City in the second round a season ago. The Lakers (2-0) gave G Austin Reaves a four year, $180 million dollar deal and acquired C Walker Kessler in a trade from Utah. On Friday, Los Angeles outscored crosstown rival LA by 13 points in the third quarter to pull away for a 125-117 victory.
Los Angeles G Austin Reaves tallied a game-high 28 points (10-13 FG), nine assists, and two steals. All-Star G Luka Doncic (11 TO) contributed 23 points (8-21 FG), seven assists, and six rebounds. Walker Kessler added 22 points, eight rebounds, and six blocks for the Lakers.
Last season, the Lakers gave up a shade below 115 points per game and have allowed 222 points through their first two games. Kessler is an elite rim protector and will bolster a Los Angeles defense that finished 19th in efficiency. During Friday’s victory, the Lakers forced 26 turnovers and converted them into 33 points.
Utah expected to be improved
The Utah Jazz have missed the playoffs in each of the previous four seasons and are expected to be an improved bunch. The Jazz (1-1) gave Keyonte George a five-year, $157.5 million dollar rookie extension and selected Kansas G Darryn Peterson with the number two overall pick in the NBA Draft. On Friday, Peterson sank a pair of free throws in the final minute to lift Utah to a 120-119 home victory versus New Orleans.
Jaren Jackson Jr. led seven Utah players in double figures with 24 points, ten rebounds, and three blocks. Keyonte George chipped in 19 points (3-7 3PT) and ten assists, but turned the ball over six times. Jaxson Hayes added 17 points and five rebounds in 26 minutes off the Jazz bench.
Utah head coach Will Hardy has more options on offense and this team will be dangerous this season. During Friday’s victory, the Jazz assisted on 31 of 41 made field goals and shot 49 percent overall. Utah has to make strides on the defensive end of the floor, where they ranked second worst in efficiency a season ago.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Utah Jazz Picks and Prediction
Pick: Utah Jazz +6.5
Utah C Jusuf Nurkic suffered a partial tear in the second toe of his right foot and will miss at least the next four weeks. The Lakers swept the season series against the Jazz, but the two road victories were by a total of eight points. The Jazz have closed the talent gap with the Lakers and get the benefit of playing consecutive home games. Take Utah to cover and sprinkle a little on the money line.
Pick: Under 236.5
Both teams come into this matchup ranked in the bottom third of the league in tempo. The Lakers will play slow with Luka Doncic running the show and the Jazz have enough size on the frontline to give him problems at the rim. Los Angeles is the top rated offense and will have some regression on the road. Take the under.
Final Score Prediction: Utah Jazz win 118-111