vlaze.com

Utah found their shooting touch at home hitting on over 50% of their shots in game 3 and 4. But they have been good all year at home and have suffered problems playing LA at Staples. Kobe is experiencing back spasms and says he will play on Wednesday. Phil Jackson has challenged his bench and the question here is will they show their inexperience. They are a young group who haven't faced the pressure of playoff basketball. Jordan Farmar is only 1-16 from the field and is the one Laker player who seems vulnerable to physical play because of his size and strength. For that reason I expect the young Laker backups to look for Gasol and Odom down low. The Jazz have played poorly in Staples this season as they are 0-4 and have lost by double digits in all games. The key to the Jazz victories in Utah were Derek Fishers 2 quick fouls in both games that put the Lakers young bench to the test early on the road in hostile territory. The Lakers bring energy here and will once again run on the Jazz in this spot. Lakers by margin once again here. The Lakers are still hitting their shots and their shooting percentages have been outstanding in this series. Take LA –8 ½.