LA Clippers: What other series mean for team’s chances

Memphis Grizzlies-Utah Jazz: What first two games mean for the LA Clippers

The LA Clippers fared very well vs. the Memphis Grizzlies this year. They took two of three, and Kawhi Leonard and Paul George didn’t even play in their most recent win against Memphis.

Memphis came into the play-in games on the outside looking in, but earned a playoff spot after going 2-0 in the play-in games which included an overtime thriller vs. the Golden State Warriors.

They took Game 1 of their first round series in Utah, which gives them home-court advantage right now, but the Jazz still won Game 2. The Jazz didn’t have Donovan Mitchell in the first contest, and needed him. They turned a three-point loss in Game 1 to a 12-point victory in Game 2 when Mitchell returned from injury.

Mitchell hit five of his 10 threes, and finished with 25 points. In his last two games vs. the Clippers, he averaged almost 30 points per game along with six rebounds and assists per game, and three steals per contest.

The Clippers were 1-3 vs. the Jazz this year. Something discouraging is that one of the games that the Clippers lost to the Jazz was a game without Mitchell. Another time, Mitchell didn’t even play well at all, and the Clips still lost.

That was the first time the Clippers played the Jazz, and Mitchell only scored 15 points.

If the Jazz can beat the Clippers when they don’t even have Mitchell at his best, it’s safe to say they match up pretty well against LA.

The Clippers have a more talented and deeper roster than the Jazz. If they get through this round, they have what it takes to take down the number one seeded team.

That being said, the Clippers match up with the Grizzlies much better, and should prefer that matchup.