Prediction – Jazz 107, Clippers 99
The Utah Jazz have had some impressive wins of late as their last four victories have been by a grand total of 112 points (Magic by 40, Bulls by 30, Bucks by 13, Nuggets by 29). While they’ve certainly showed a prolific offense and plenty of firepower in those contests, they’ve also largely struggled on the road overall as they hold just a 1-7 record away from Vivint Smart Home Arena.
Therefore, earning a win in Staples Center will be far from an easy accomplishment and a nice way for Utah to prove that the team is slowly but surely overcoming their road woes. Since the Clippers are so banged up, though, I’m feeling confident in predicting that the Jazz will indeed come out on top, though not in quite the commanding fashion that we’ve seen in recent bouts.
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Still, a win is a win and whether it be by eight points as I predicted, one point or 50, the important thing is that the Jazz get the W. Despite being down players, similar to what the Jazz have proved time and time again the past two seasons, the Clippers’ healthy players have too much pride and talent to simply lay down in spite of the adversity they’re facing.
Therefore, I think we’re in for a very good game in which Utah will have to put a complete performance together, but ultimately they’ll be able to triumph against a Clippers team whose depth is quickly diminishing.