Los Angeles Clippers at Utah Jazz NBA Preseason Game Thread: Attrition or Attention?

Tonight the Utah Jazz will host the Los Angeles Clippers (Game Preview here!). The skinny is that the Clippers, who played last night, don't have any wins yet. They are probably too cool for school as a result, and may not be going for a win tonight either. The Utah Jazz have a chance to get their third win of the preseason with a home game against a possibly tired, or bored opponent.

There are significant challenges for both teams, as the Clippers will never risk straining themselves here. No need to risk an injury in October. They will be without super-cub Jamal Crawford and agitator Matt Barnes. In the "we know that already" category, they will also be without the services of Ekpe Udoh. The Jazz will be without Alec Burks and Carrick Felix. As a result, Rodney Hood will get the call in his first start, in his first NBA Preseason game. (He missed the first two due to injury) At this stage I would believe that the loss of Burks (and his 16.0 ppg, 50.0 fg%, and 8.0 FTA/G) will be missed more than Crawford's absence. But what do I know?

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Rosters:

It's clear that LAC is the better team, deeper, and possibly hungry for a win. On the flip side the Jazz are playing very well, younger, more rested, and at home. We're going for wins this year and it's a legit cultural shift for our franchise. The Clippers are trying to form their own culture this year with a new owner. Both teams have something to prove. Ultimately, it's going to be a game of if the Jazz can keep it close enough at half and in the third quarter before the Clippers run out of ducks to give. Or something. It's the preseason. The preview was pretty long. Read it again, if you want.

I would love to see some Jeremy Evans tonight, especially since, you know . . .

GO JAZZ GO!