The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz vs. Los Angeles Clippers: Keys to the Game

By Jared Woodcox

Feb 13, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Joe Johnson (6) defends LA Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) during the first half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 13, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Joe Johnson (6) defends LA Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) during the first half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 30, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center Marreese Speights (5) reacts to a basket by guard Austin Rivers (25) in the second half of the game against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center. Clippers won 88-75. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center Marreese Speights (5) reacts to a basket by guard Austin Rivers (25) in the second half of the game against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center. Clippers won 88-75. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

Prediction – Clippers 98, Jazz 91

I just finished speaking of trends as it related to Hayward’s single-digit scoring games. Staying on the subject of trends, there’s another one that the Jazz have seemingly followed all season. Whenever they go on a winning streak or get on a bit of a roll, they seem to subsequently falter and lose multiple games in a row.

In November, Utah went on a sizzling six wins in eight games streak, then out of nowhere lost four straight, several of which were very winnable. Not long after that the Jazz won 11 of 13 before losing three straight which included a 20-point comeback by the Sacramento Kings.

Near the end of January, the Jazz won six straight which included a big win over the Cavs, only to then lose three out of four. Just before the All-Star break, the Jazz won four straight games, then lost three in a row, one of them being a blown lead to the Mavericks and another the horrific loss to the Clippers.

https://twitter.com/utahjazz/status/840955038323228673

Most recently, the Jazz were on a four-game winning streak which reached its peak with a statement win over the Rockets. Unfortunately, the Jazz fell flat on their face once again with a loss yesterday to OKC. Thus given the way things have gone this season, you can probably wager a guess at what I’m thinking is likely to happen tomorrow.

Especially considering that other trend I mentioned at the beginning of this piece, that Utah is 2-17 against the Clippers in their last 19 contests, combined with the fact that the Jazz have straight up struggled against elite Western Conference foes this season, I’m feeling less than confident that we’re in for a Jazz victory tomorrow.

Therefore, just as I predicted in my week outlook piece from this morning, I’m going to pin the Clippers as seven-point winners in what will (hopefully) be a much less ugly offensive performance from both teams.

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I truly hope that I’m wrong and that the Jazz will come out with a chip on their shoulder and anxious to prove that their ownership of the fourth seed is no fluke, but given how poorly Utah has played against LA for over half a decade, it’s one of those things that I’m simply going to have to see to believe.

All stats courtesy of NBA.com

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