Utah Jazz vs Los Angeles Clippers odds, starters, injury reports, predictions
Diehard Utah Jazz fans have probably had this contest circled on their calendar since the NBA’s schedule was released. They’ll be treated to a Western Conference Semifinals rematch tonight. The Jazz were ousted in unceremonious fashion by these Los Angeles Clippers in six games in last season’s playoffs. Different observers will provide different explanations as to how that happened. Some will point to Mike Conley’s sporadic availability. Others will note Rudy Gobert’s inability to close out a barrage of three-pointers unleashed by Clippers small-ball lineups. Regardless of which explanation you prefer, neither will be a factor tonight.
Mike Conley is healthy, and with Rudy Gay functioning as the small-ball 5 the Jazz were lacking in last year’s postseason, the Jazz are better built to withstand a similar strategy from the Clippers. Both teams are hot, with the Jazz (19-7) having won seven straight and the Clippers (16-12) on a four game winning streak of their own.
Utah Jazz vs Los Angeles Clippers Tonight
According to WynnBet, the Jazz are an 8.5 point favorite against the Clippers tonight, and a -430 point favorite on the money line. Los Angeles is currently a +340 money line underdog.
The over/under is presently at 220.0 points.
Utah Jazz Starting Lineup
The Clippers may force Quin Snyder’s hand and lead him to playing smaller than he prefers to, but the starting lineup will be the same as usual. Mike Conley, Donovan Mitchell, Royce O’Neale, Bojan Bogdanovic and Rudy Gobert will be on the hardwood at the tip-off in this contest.
Utah Jazz Injury Report
None of the Jazz’s rotation regulars are expected to sit with injuries in this contest. Udoka Azubuike remains on the shelf with a right ankle sprain, and rookie Jared Butler will miss this game with right knee soreness.
Utah Jazz vs Los Angeles Clippers Prediction
This game doesn’t make for as easy a call as many Utah Jazz contests have of late. On the one hand, Clippers star Paul George is listed as questionable tonight. On the other hand, the Clippers have won four straight games, and George was absent in all four.
Meanwhile, the Utah Jazz have won 7 straight. They’ve all the appearances of an unstoppable juggernaut, and a Los Angeles Clippers squad missing their most significant player shouldn’t project as the team to stop them. Still, these Clippers may hold a psychological advantage over the Jazz given that they eliminated them in last year’s playoffs.
There’s a lot to weigh here, but maybe the simplest assumptions are the safest ones. The Jazz have better health, they’re a better team, and WynnBet’s odds exist for a reason. We’re expecting the Jazz to extend their winning streak to eight in this contest.
Prediction: Jazz 118, Clippers 111
Utah Jazz vs Los Angeles Clippers TV Channel
Fans in Los Angeles can look for this contest on Bally Sports SoCal, while fans in Utah should look to AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain as usual. This game will also be featured on ESPN.
Utah Jazz Schedule and Next Game
The Jazz get a day’s break before hosting the San Antonio Spurs on Friday. They’ll travel to the nation’s capital for a road game against the Washington Wizards following that contest.
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Following that game, they’ll stay on the road for an inter-conference matchup with the Charlotte Hornets. They’ll enjoy a couple of days off after that before a contest with the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 23.