10/24 Utah at LA Clippers
8:30 pm MT – AT&T SportsNet/League Pass
Opponent record: 2-0
Season series: Tied 0-0
In a lot of ways, the offseasons of the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Clippers were very similar. Both teams lost the face of their franchise in Gordon Hayward and Chris Paul, respectively, as well as other key pieces such as George Hill for the Jazz and J.J. Redick and Jamal Crawford for the Clippers. Nevertheless, each squad thus far has appeared to do an admirable job in rebooting their roster as now, despite not having their former go-to stars, they both boast an incredible amount of depth.
As part of the Chris Paul trade, the Clippers added the likes of Lou Williams and Patrick Beverley while signing free agent Danilo Gallinari to help reload. These guys, along with several other savvy additions, have very likely put the Clippers in the playoff conversation and they certainly have looked sharp so far. They’ve won both their first two games by double figures with a 16-point victory over the Lakers and a 42-point win over the Suns.
However, neither of those opponents are anything to write home about by any means, so not only will the Clippers be a phenomenal test for the Jazz, but the Jazz will also be a great test for the Clippers and certainly the toughest opponent they’ve faced yet.
Monday grind.
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) October 23, 2017
Back at it tomorrow vs. the Jazz! pic.twitter.com/w7vo4a3Qnl
Although it’s been in a small sample size, the Clippers have been dominant on the boards and in the paint, so if the Jazz hope to find a way to win, they’ll have to control the middle. That’s no easy task with DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin playing in the frontcourt for LA, but I believe that Rudy Gobert and Derrick Favors will be up to the task.
So much so that, while I realize this could be a tough game that may have a playoff atmosphere given that these two teams last faced off in postseason play, I’m pinning the Jazz to come out on top. Although the Clippers were once a tough match-up for Utah, the Jazz proved their mettle against them in the postseason last year, and two of their Achilles heels, Chris Paul and Jamal Crawford, are no longer a part of the team.
Therefore, despite LA’s solid new additions, I like Utah’s chances and, especially if they can replicate their performance against the Thunder, I believe they’re going to come away victorious in a hard-fought game.
My Prediction: Jazz Win
Final Score: Utah 105, Los Angeles 101