Lakers, second in effective shooting, visit Jazz defense ranked 29th

The Los Angeles Lakers (53-29), second in the NBA in effective shooting last season, visit the Utah Jazz (22-60), who allowed the league's second-worst opponent shooting, Sunday, October 25, in Salt Lake City at 5:00 PM ET.

The figures are from last season, with this season's rosters.

Los Angeles posted a 57.3% effective field goal percentage and led the league in free throw rate at 0.32. Utah's opponents shot 57.8% effective, and the Jazz had the fifth-highest opponent free throw rate allowed, at 0.292.

Utah's best answer is speed. The Jazz played at a pace of 104.3, third in the league, while the Lakers ranked 22nd at 100. Utah was 11th in offensive rebounding, and Los Angeles was 13th in defensive rebounding at 74.3%.

Luka Doncic carries the Lakers at 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists a game, and Matisse Thybulle averaged two steals. For Utah, Lauri Markkanen scored 26.7 points a game and Isaiah Collier handed out 7.2 assists.

Jusuf Nurkic, who led the Jazz with 10.4 rebounds a game, is out until Wednesday, November 4. Harrison Ingram is also out, and Trey Alexander is out until Monday, October 26.

For Los Angeles, Adou Thiero and Cameron Carr are out until Tuesday, October 27. Walker Kessler is available.

The Lakers ended last season with three straight playoff losses to Oklahoma City, then opened this season with wins of 127-105 over Golden State and 125-117 over the LA Clippers. Utah beat New Orleans 120-119 after a 123-103 loss at Memphis.

Sportsbooks' prices give the Lakers a 68% chance to win. Keel's projection, built from the players available, gives them 72%.