Los Angeles Clippers vs Utah Jazz prediction for Saturday’s NBA playoffs clash at Staples Center in Los Angeles. The Clippers took the lead 3-2 in the series after they won in Utah in game five and are now one game away from the conference finals. Read on for our free prediction and betting tips.
Los Angeles Clippers hope to keep their morale in game six
Kawhi Leonard’s knee injury wasn’t the news the Clippers wanted to hear before game five. But Tyronn Lue’s men put on arguably their best team effort of the season and came back from Utah with a precious win. The Clippers weren’t affected by their star player’s absence as Reggie Jackson and Marcus Morris had their best night of the series so far.
Paul George was his team’s best scorer with 37 points while Jackson and Morris added 22 and 25 points respectively. In defense as well the Clippers were playing hard especially on Donovan Mitchel limiting his contribution as much as possible. 11 steals shows how coach Lue’s team were hustling and fighting for the ball and they need to keep that spirit in the Staples Center.
Clippers Key Points
Utah Jazz with the last chance to stay in the playoffs
Coach Quin Snyder’s strategy of relying on three-pointers worked for one half as the Jazz made 17 shots from 30 attempts. In the second half though things had a dramatic turnaround as Utah made 3-24 shots from downtown and 0-10 in the third quarter.
Donovan Mitchell was defended very well by the Clippers limiting his scoring to just 21 points. The Jazz scoring leader admitted he felt pain in his right ankle and was the reason for his lack of usual explosiveness on the court. Mike Conley missed all five matches of the series due to a hamstring injury.
Jazz Key Points
Los Angeles Clippers vs Utah Jazz Prediction
The Clippers’ players showed they can play as a group and fill the gap left by Kawhi Leonard. If we look at the NBA teams, almost all teams are relying on one or two players in the offensive third and that was the case with the Clippers as well.
Like all teams now in the NBA, Utah are having their share of injuries and coach Snyder may even field Mike Conley as they are in a do-or-die situation. The Jazz have won at the Staples Center twice in the regular season and that might give them some confidence.
A lot is at stake for Utah in this game as they are slight favorites to win with the bookies. It will be a close game but much is dependent on Mitchell’s health situation and whether he can have a high-scoring game.
Los Angeles Clippers vs Utah Jazz Betting Tips
Under 222.5 Points 1.72 at Vbet
Under 56.5 first-quarter points 1.63 at Vbet