Utah Jazz at Los Angeles Clippers Betting Preview
The Western Conference semifinals continue on Monday as the Utah Jazz (2-1) take on the Los Angeles Clippers (1-2). The Clippers will host this one at the Staples Center, with tipoff scheduled for 10:00 pm ET.
The winner of this best-of-seven series will go on to face the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference championship as the Suns finished their sweep of the Denver Nuggets on Sunday.
After dropping the first two games of this series, the Clippers were able to get a big home win on Saturday, beating Utah 132-106. In the win, Kawhi Leonard led all scorers with 34 points. He also added 12 rebounds and five assists.
In the loss, Donovan Mitchell led the Jazz with 30 points, five rebounds, and four assists. Joe Ingles also played well, adding 19 points.
The Clippers are the favorites Monday playing at home. They are -205 to win while the Jazz’ moneyline is +172. The spread features Utah +5 (-110), and the over/under for total points is 223.5 (-110).
By The Numbers
In terms of scoring, the Jazz have been the stronger of the two teams this season. They rank third in the NBA, averaging 116.7 points per game. The Clippers rank 11th, averaging 113.9 points per game.
Defensively, it is the Clippers with the slight edge. They rank third in scoring defense, allowing opponents just 107.8 points per game. The Jazz are right behind them at fourth, allowing 108 points per game.
Utah Aims To Take Commanding Lead While Overcoming Injuries
Utah would love nothing more than to take a commanding three games to one lead over Los Angeles. Unfortunately, to do so, they will have to overcome some key injuries.
After sitting in Game 3 with a hamstring injury, Mike Conley is listed as questionable for Monday’s contest. In five games this postseason, Conley has averaged 17.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 8.6 assists. His absence would once again place a large burden on the shoulders of star Donovan Mitchell.
With a hurt ankle, Mitchell might not be able to carry much more of the weight. He is already averaging 32.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, but Mitchell is hurting.
During Game 3, he left the game in the fourth quarter because of an ankle injury. While he returned to the bench, he never returned to the floor. Granted, the 26-point blowout was a large reason for that, but knowing that Mitchell is not 100% is a huge problem for Utah.
Clippers Hope To Even Series
During the regular season, the Los Angeles Clippers were an impressive 26-10 when playing at the Staples Center. While the Jazz were 21-15 on the road this season, the advantage still goes to the Clippers.
Leading the Clippers is the tandem of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Leonard has been phenomenal this postseason, averaging 30.3 points on 58.2% shooting over ten games. He is also averaging 7.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game.
Paul George has also been solid this postseason. He is averaging 24.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game.
Taking Los Angeles To Win And Cover
This one simply comes down to health and home court. With Mike Conley questionable for this one and Donovan Mitchell not at full strength, the Jazz will have their hands full trying to take down the Clippers on their home floor.
While the Jazz are deep, they might not be deep enough to overcome this one. Take the Clippers to both win and cover the five-point spread.
