Los Angeles Clippers vs Utah Jazz Prediction: Jazz has a bright offense, Clippers can defend well

The NBA Regular Season has proved one thing to us, no prediction is safe. The obvious favorites have been shut down frequently while underdogs have been making a lot of noise. If this goes on, some of the underdogs will slide into the favorites status and the favorites will downgrade to the “underdog” symbol. Anyway, one of the teams that has exceeded expectations, the Utah Jazz will take on the Los Angeles Clippers

The Jazz comes into this game after defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 130:116 as Lauri Markkanen drilled 27 points and 13 rebounds. The Jazz seemed like they’d never miss in the game and went on big runs, making tough stepbacks, twisting drives, and also pounding the offensive glass hard. They had 15 offensive rebounds and their offense looked elite level. Mike Conley, Jordan Clarkson, Colin Sexton, and Kelly Olynyk scored in the 15-20 points range.

Winning seven of their ten games, the Jazz has done much better than expected, they have been doing a great job on the offensive end and they can also take care of the defensive end. Apart from their incredible offensive unit that contains driving guards, playmakers, off-the-ball shooters and shot-creators, they also have a strong frontline that hustles hard on boards and is blessed with the talent of Lauri Markkanen, who has led the scoring effort, both shooting the ball but more so being a menace in the paint. The Jazz has been ringing it so far but how far will their sweet echo go, we will find out!

The Clippers come into this game after defeating the San Antonio Spurs 113:106 as Paul George drained 32 points. They have won three in a row and have five wins and four losses. They have won three in a row but the schedule had a team that has a 10% win record and another team that has now hit a wall. Apart from that, Clippers have struggled against quality teams especially when Paul George is off his game, PG continues to be their heart and soul on both ends of the floor.

John Wall is a shadow of himself but at least gives strong playmaking whereas Guard Reggie Jackson’s rhythm has been off and they need him to pick it up. Norman Powell has been up and down. Marcus Morris has done a decent job as a scorer while Ivica Zubac has been a huge factor as a scorer, rebounder, and defender. The Clippers have not yet gotten the oomph that they need but their defense holds a lot of promise. Ultimately, they still look like a mid-tier team without the services of two-way All-Star wing Kawhi Leonard.

• Clippers: OUT: Luke Kennard, Kawhi Leonard. Game-Time Decision: Robert Covington;
• Jazz: OUT: Leandro Bolmaro

• Expected Leading Scorers: Paul George(26+ Points), Lauri Markkanen (26+ Points), Jordan Clarkson(20-25 Points);
• Expected Leading Rebounders: Ivica Zubac(10-14 Rebounds), Lauri Markkane(10-14 Rebounds);
• Expected Leading Playmakers: Mike Conley(8-11 Assists), Paul George(5-8 Assists), John Wall(5-8 Assists).

The Jazz has proven to be a formidable opponent and their knack to find open men has been a huge factor. Lauri Markkanen is having a career year and is playing like an All-Star, playing so fluidly on the offensive end, after dominating elite defender Anthony Davis, his confidence must have taken a further boost. The Guard quarter of Conley, Clarkson, Beasley, and Sexton has brought in a terrific flavor and the team has a lot of liberty in terms of choosing the shots.

The Clippers have not performed well on the offensive end and they can have such rusty periods that it can be frustrating to watch. George is overburdened with so many duties that it almost feels unfair but he continues to deliver. In this game, he will have a tough job on the defensive end yet again. I believe the Jazz will challenge the defense of the Clippers but George will close out the affair in what I expected to be a close call. I believe the Points Range will be in 215-225.