RealGM

Turnovers

"I don't think that either team is defending at a high level, but these are also two of the finest teams in terms of offensive execution in the league, so turnovers, especially on the road, are going to make a huge difference. The key to that effort for the Jazz is Deron Williams, who is again proving that he is a top-flight point guard. His assist-to-turnover ratio in the series has been 4 to 1, and with with every playoff game, he gains confidence as a leader."
Experience matters

"You may see the Lakers tighten the rotation a little bit. In the regular season, guys such as Jordan Farmar and Vladimir Radmanovic had an impact for L.A. But more and more as the playoffs go deeper, for guys who haven't had the opportunity to make a positive contribution during a playoff game, it becomes more and more difficult for them to play. The Lakers do have plenty of guys who have playoff experience -- Bryant, Derek Fisher, Odom, Gasol -- and those are the guys who will continue to be key."
Road warriors

"Obviously, Utah is going to have to win in L.A. to win this series. The Jazz and coach Jerry Sloan have proved they can win on the road in the playoffs. He has taken teams to the Finals, and this current group won a Game 7 in Houston last year to advance to the second round. Still, this is the Lakers' series to lose."