The Utah Jazz got ahead in the series against the Los Angeles Clippers right away, as they won Game 1 in thrilling fashion. Will the Jazz go 2-0 this Thursday? Or will the Clippers even the series up before going back to Hollywood? Check out our preview of this game below.
By now, you’ve probably heard about Playoff P. That’s the internet’s forced alter ego for Paul George, who once again struggled in a playoff game in Game 1 of the series against Utah. George scored 20 points on a horrendous 4-of-17 shooting from the field, though he did go 9 of 10 from the foul line. George still needs to be better alongside Kawhi Leonard, who led the Clippers in Game 1 with 23 points. The Clippers started Nic Batum instead of a traditional big man, but chances could happen soon, with the Jazz using their size in the series opener. Defensively, the Clippers can still be proud of having held down Utah to only 40.7 percent shooting from the field. They just have to put up a better job in containing Donovan Mitchell.
The Clippers are 5-1 against the spread in their last six Thursday games. The under is 4-0 in the Clippers’ last four games as the underdog.
The Jazz capitalized on a weary Clippers team that just went the distance in the first round against the Dallas Mavericks. Mitchell exploded for 45 points on 16-of-30 shooting from the field, which was basically the story of the game. But the Jazz also know that Mitchell isn’t the only one on the team capable of having a game like that. Bojan Bogdanovic and Jordan Clarkson each scored 18 points. Mitchell’s eruption couldn’t come at a better time, as he dropped all those points with Mike Conley sidelined because of a right hamstring injury. It’s possible, however, that Conley will be back to action as soon as Game 1, as he was able to practice in full last Monday. Utah’s outside shooting was on point even without Conley in Game 1, as the team drained 17 threes. They have made at least 17 3-pointers in all but one game so far in the playoffs.
The Jazz are 5-0 against the spread in their last five games. The over is 8-1 in the Jazz’s last 9 playoff games as a favorite.
