Utah Jazz vs. LA Clippers Playoff Preview: Player Comparison

Verdict

On paper, these two teams actually look relatively evenly matched based on individual match-ups. The Clippers’ two best players – Chris Paul and Blake Griffin – have the advantage in their positional match-ups, while Utah’s two best players – Gordon Hayward and Rudy Gobert – have the edge in theirs, albeit by the smallest of margins in the case of Gobert.

With that being the case, though, that largely leaves the Redick-Hood match-up and the battle of the benches as the two X-Factors in the series. In last night’s win over the Warriors, commentator Matt Harpring made an excellent point by reminding fans that the Jazz were never at full-strength against this Clippers team during the regular season, so having most everyone in action could help carry them to new heights.

Although considering Utah’s luck, they still may not be full strength even in the playoffs. However, even if they’re close to that condition, they will have a much better shot than they did in their regular season losses.

The Jazz are 11-2 when their designated starters are all in action and if that ends up being the scenario and thus the Jazz are able to roll out a formidable bench as well, there is a chance that they could very well outmatch this Clippers team as they did in the lone regular season win.

Nevertheless, it’s also going to take a major mental adjustment given that in each of Utah’s losses to LA this season, they have looked extremely timid and/or disengaged with the Clippers on the court. As I stated at the start of this piece, it appears as if the Jazz truly have some sort of mental block against LA that is preventing them from matching up well.

However, after going through each player match-up, it’s clear that the Jazz aren’t as overpowered as they might think. Even against Paul and Griffin the Jazz benefit from the length and solid defense of George Hill and Derrick Favors which could provide a crucial lift.

Utah simply has to remember their gritty identity and match LA’s physicality while still working to control the tempo. Given the star power of LA’s big three of Paul, Griffin and Jordan, I’d say the Clippers have somewhat of an advantage overall in this series. However, if Utah can ride its depth and get more production than they’re accustomed to out of Hood and Favors, they could very well end up with the firepower to topple this Clippers team.

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Therefore, my prediction based on these match-ups is as follows. If the Jazz are able to roll out their intended starting lineup for the entire series, I’m picking them in seven games, otherwise, I’m going to give this one to the Clippers in six.

Regardless of how the injuries pan out, though, I’m expecting a thrilling and hotly contested six or seven-game series that truly could go either way.

Best of all, playoff basketball is back in Salt Lake City and with an opponent that is very evenly matched, and obviously shares some bad blood with the Jazz, we are likely in for a fun series.

All stats courtesy of NBA.com and current prior to games played on 4/10.