Utah Jazz vs Los Angeles Clippers Prediction: Vulnerable Clippers take on high-scoring Jazz

The topsy-turvy world of the NBA brings us non-stop action and we have entered one of the most exciting territories as trade rumors are going to dominate the headlines and soon the headlines will be even richer when the trade is up. Anyway, in another interesting affair, the Utah Jazz is going to host the Los Angeles Clippers in a Western Conference showdown.

The Jazz comes into the game after defeating the Timberwolves 126:125 as Walker Kesler had a career 20 points and 21 rebounds night. Utah has now won three in the last four games but their record of 24 losses and 23 wins hasn’t done justice to how they have performed. Most of their games recently have been decided in single figures and these have mainly been losses which imply that Utah has been unable to take big leads. They have one of the best offensive setups but they also have one of the most struggling defenses at the same time. Lauri Markkanen is having a career season, averaging around 24 points a game.

The Clippers come into this game after losing 110:120 despite a 27 points performance by Kawhi Leonard. They lost despite getting back Paul George and they have now lost eight of their last ten games, bringing their record to 23 wins and 23 losses. They have been again struggling on the offensive end and have one of the worst three-point units in the league. Their defense which was elite earlier has dipped too and as a result, wins have been a rare fixture for this team. This season is not different from last season when the veterans not named George kept misfiring and the team missed Leonard for the season.

• Jazz: OUT: Kelly Olynyk. QUESTIONABLE: Lauri Markkanen;
• Clippers: OUT: Luke Kennard, Moussa Diabiate, Luke Kennard, John Wall.

The Clippers played last night and with the way they are playing, it is tough to back them in a back-to-back situation. Although as I am writing this, Paul George and Kawhi Leonard are not listed on the injury list. It can change before the game begins. However, with their flailing fortunes, wouldn’t the management decide to bring at least one of them? I like Jazz’s chances here, considering they are rested and take the game to the opposition, especially on the offensive end. That’s why I’d back them to win with a scoreline of 126:114.