Blake Harris (@BlakeHHarris)
Series MVP:
I’m changing it up. I’m going with MVB (Most Valuable Bench). We obviously know what CP3, Blake, & DJ are going to do, but I think it comes down to whoever has the better bench. With Austin Rivers likely not playing in the series, the Clippers’ bench will be short-handed. I am hoping Jamal and Speights can step up, and contribute some valuable minutes. As well as maybe a Brandon Bass or Raymond Felton make some big shots and have some big plays as well.
X-Factor:
Once again, I could say a bench guy, but I think it’s J.J. Redick. Redick is a 38% three-point shooter in the playoffs with the Clippers. That’s not terrible by any means, but it’s for sure not up to his standards. We know the Clippers rarely lose when J.J. scores 20+. I’m not asking him to drop 20 a game, but if he’s making his three’s, the Clippers are a tough team to beat.
PREVIEW: What can J.J. Redick do against the Utah Jazz?
Series Prediction:
For some reason, I am seeing a lot of people taking the Jazz for this series. In all honesty, I see the Clippers sweeping, or winning in 5. If it hadn’t been for Utah catching fire and making every three they took in the third match-up, the Clippers sweep the season series, pretty convincingly might I add. They’ve looked dominant against them, and come the playoffs, I see that continuing. The Clippers are the second hottest team right now, and I see them riding the momentum into the playoffs. I think the Jazz squeak one out at home.
Match-Up:
Garrett took mine. Gotta be Luc. We know he’s one of the best (and insanely underrated) defenders in the game. His matchup on Gordon Hayward will be crucial. Hayward is easily the best scorer on the Jazz and if Mbah a Moute can shut him down, I don’t see how the Jazz are going to be able to score enough to keep pace with the Clippers.