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Potential First Round Playoff Matchup: Game Preview

By Adrian Rivera

Mar 13, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; LA Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) pushes Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) away from LA Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) during the fourth quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Utah Jazz won the game 114-108. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 13, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; LA Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) pushes Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) away from LA Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) during the fourth quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Utah Jazz won the game 114-108. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports /
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Today’s  game will indeed be a very possible first round playoff matchup in just a few weeks!  Currently the 4th seed, Utah Jazz, will be visiting the 5th seed Clippers in a day game at Staples Center. There is no question these teams do not like each-other, especially since the Chris Paul and Rudy Gobert argument.

Utah most recently defeated the New York Knicks their last time out, ending a three game losing streak. To be a bit critical, they were down most of the game, and then answered with a fourth quarter comeback for the win. Also, they looked fatigued coming back home from their road trip. Utah’s excessive tenacious type of physical defense not only wears their opponents down, but also themselves!

Meanwhile, the Clippers lost another heart breaker in the clutch against the Dallas Mavericks. Los Angeles are now an alarming 7-7 (.500) in the month of March, and they are healthy!

Blake Griffin answers to the Los Angeles Times about their current loss,

"“Yeah this time of the year, losses i think impact you a little bit more because you can actually see the standings and see the race come down to the final however many games its going to be.”"

Clips’ are off a loss, and were held under 100 points their last time out. In response they will be hungry to bounce back in this game that is “more than just a game.” The regular season series between these teams will play out in two scenarios: Clippers can end the series on a 3-1 lead with comfortable bragging rights heading into the first round. Or they can even the series up losing today, and most likely be out of home-court. With a loss today they would trail Utah 2.5 games and that might be too much to recover from.

It has been two weeks since they last met, and Utah earned the win at home. However, it has also been two weeks since the Jazz have been on the road against a Western Conference threat. Utah has allowed 110 points per game in their last five road games against the west.

This will be Utah’s fifth road game in their last six games, so they must be tired. Considering the start time for today’s game will be precisely noon pacific time. This is just too early and usually players start a bit sluggish. Clips’ are 23-11 at home this season winning on average of eight points in those home games. Do not forget the Jazz also dropped two of three already to LA this year.

Jazz will be without key role players, forward Derek Favors (knee) and guard Shelvin Mack.

Overall the Clippers have dominated 17 of the last 19 games versus the Utah Jazz. Including the last four in staples center, however this is not the same Jazz team as other years.

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