Utah Jazz vs Los Angeles Clippers: Game Thread

Tonight is a big game as the Utah Jazz have a chance to put 1.0 games between them and the Los Angeles Clippers -- all they've got to do is win. If they don't then these two teams get that much closer. (Thankfully the lead is 1.5 games right now so even a loss here means the Jazz are ahead, but will lose the season series, and thus the tie-breaker.) Both teams should be up for this game, so expect a classic game where LAC whines after every call and flops.

Game Preview: Overtone | Five Things to Watch | Clips Nation

Team Breakdown:

Man, I do hate the Clippers. The Jazz have historically been taking care of business against them, 99-76 overall. Could this game be win #100? It's hard to say, and frankly it's kind of unlikely because THESE Clips aren't the old Clips. Utah is only 38-5 while visiting LAC, and in recent history they've had some trouble in their gym. Though, it should be noted that their sole win against them last season was on the road (lost the season series 1-2). If the Jazz want to avoid losing the season series this year they'll have to come out strong this afternoon. In the three previous matches between these two clubs they went as follows: 88-75 LAC, 88-72 LAC, 114-108 UTA. Close games each time during parts of the game - but none of them finished at 5 or fewer points separating them.

That's kind if what their seeds may look like at the end of the season as well - close during parts of the 82 game schedule, but after all the dust is settled, one of these teams may look like they weren't in jeopardy at all.

Utah used to be a team that went big and focused on defense. The defensive focus is still there, but they are going smaller and smaller as the season goes on. Joe Johnson is getting the late call over other guys, while Derrick Favors is out, Boris Diaw is ineffective, and Trey Lyles is getting DNP-CDs. Rudy Gobert is going to have his hands full tonight if he's the only guy out there taking care of the paint. He's gotta have some help out there.

Sadly, against this LA team 'out there' is likely to mean from midrange and three. They have a lot of shooters who are more than happy to be effective outside of the paint. This game is going to be a potential preview for the NBA Playoffs as well. How much of their hands do both of these teams show?

Big game in LA just hours away. Jazz clinch a playoff berth with a win

— Craig Bolerjack (@BuckleUpBoler) March 25, 2017

Good morning all. Early game day against @LAClippers ! Need to wake up our bodies and get ready for that important game. #takenote

— Boris Diaw (@theborisdiaw) March 25, 2017

This feels like a big game for the fans. Hope the players step up to our expectations of them.

Fan Map:

Band-wagon city.

Assumed Starters:

• PG: George Hill vs. Chris Paul
  
• SG: Rodney Hood vs. J.J. Redick
  
• SF: Gordon Hayward vs. Luc Mbah a Moute
  
• PF: "Boris Diaw" vs. Blake Griffin
  
• C: Rudy Gobert vs. DeAndre Jordan

Injuries / Absences

• PG: Shelvin Mack (UTA, Questionable)
  
• SG: Rodney Hood (UTA, Good to go?)
  
• SF:
• PF: Derrick Favors (UTA, OUT)
  
• C: Diamond Stone (LAC, OUT)
  

GO JAZZ GO!