The Los Angeles Clippers (23-23) visit the Utah Jazz (23-24) on Wednesday night. Promotion ends at 9:10pm ET. Below we continue our NBA odds series with a Clippers Jazz prediction, pick and guide.
Los Angeles suffers a double-digit home loss to Philadelphia but remains sixth in the Western Conference. The Clippers covered 48% of their games while falling 61% under the projected score. Utah has won three of their last four games to move them to eighth place in the West. The Jazz covered 55% of their games while completing 59%. This will be the fourth and final meeting between the two teams. Utah won two of their first three games, including Utah’s most recent matchup in double figures.
Here are the Clippers jazz NBA odds, courtesy of FanDuel
NBA Odds: Clippers Jazz Odds
Los Angeles Clippers: +5.5 (-108)
Utah Jazz: -5.5 (-112)
Above: 227.5 (-110)
Below: 227.5 (-110)
How to watch Clippers vs Jazz
TV: Bally SoCal, ATTSN Rocky Mountain
Stream: NBA League Pass
Time: 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT
*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)*
Why the Clippers could cover the spread
Despite a shaky run lately, the Clippers come into the game with a great chance thanks to their elite defense. LA ranks third in points allowed (110.1 Opp. PPG) and fifth in opponent shot percentage (46%). They also rank in the top 10 in allowed threes (11.6 opp 3pm/game) and opposing three-point percentage (34%). The Clippers remain a terrific rebounding team, ranking eighth in rebounding (52.9 RPG). That being said, they’ll need to get something out of their 29th offense tonight if they’re going to appear as underdogs on the streets. The Clippers will be without Paul George and John Wall, while Reggie Jackson and Luke Kennard are doubtful.
Offensively, LA boasts a lineup centered on their two stars, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. That being said, George won’t be playing tonight, which will put even more focus on Kawhi. Kawhi has been outstanding in his last five games, averaging 28.6 PPG and 6.8 RPG. He was also outstanding on defense with 2.6 STOCKS (steals plus blocks) per game over this period. Expect a big night from Kawhi with so many players for the Clippers.
Without George, Norman Powell plans to play a much bigger role. That could be a good thing for LA since he was the key factor in their only win over the Jazz this season. He scored 30 points in shooting on 10/15. in their previous matchup against Utah. Powell has also been a big focus in recent games, averaging 18.6 PPG over the last five games.
Perhaps the biggest X factor for LA tonight is security guard Terance Mann. Although Mann is averaging just 8.8 PPG for the season, he has averaged 15.4 PPG over the past five games. He excelled beyond the arc, averaging 2.2 threes per game on 46% throw. Utah allows the fewest three-pointers per game — and places even more emphasis on Mann having a hot night from across the arc.
Why the jazz could cover the spread
After a scorching hot start, the Jazz simmered a little but has started to get things going again in recent games. Utah boasts an explosive offense that ranks third in scoring (117.6 PPG) and fourth in threes made (14.3 3PM/game). While they’re not a strong defensive team, they make up for it with their work on the glass. Utah ranks seventh in rebounding (52.9 RPG). They’re particularly dangerous on the offensive glass, ranking fifth in offensive rebound rate (26.8%).
If Utah rise as home favorites, they need another big night from star Lauri Markkanen. Markkanen is in the midst of a career year averaging 24.6 PPG and 8.6 RPG. He’s an incredible all-around scorer who’s deadly, especially from long range. Lauri averaged 2.9 threes per game while clipping them at 41%. That being said, Markkanen is questionable and his status is certainly worth considering before making a Clippers jazz prediction.
Regardless of Lauri’s status, guard Jordan Clarkson has a big role to play for Jazz tonight. For the season, Clarkson ranks second on the team with 21.1 PPG and 4.3 APG. He was particularly dangerous against the Clippers, averaging 27.3 PPG in three matchups against LA. He averaged an incredible five threes per game against the Clippers while shooting 52% from angles.
Final Clippers-Jazz Prediction & Selection
With George out for LA, I want the Jazz to continue their strong game of recent times and cover against the undermanned Clippers tonight.
Final Clippers Jazz Prediction and Pick: Utah Jazz -5.5 (-112)