NBA Free Picks: Utah Jazz vs. LA Clippers

Utah Jazz (45-30 SU, 31-42-2 ATS) vs. Los Angeles Clippers (36-39 SU, 35-39-1 ATS)
When: Tuesday March 29 2022, 10:00 PM (ET)
Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
TV: TNT

Point Spread: UTA +1/LAC -1 (Opened LAC +1.5 at Everygame)
Total: 216 (Opened at 214.5)
Money Line: Utah -106/LA Clippers -114
Power Rating: LAC -2

Probable Starting Lineups

Utah Jazz PG Mike Conley, SG Donovan Mitchell Off Inj, SF Bojan Bogdanovic Q, PF Royce O’Neale, C Rudy Gobert Q
Los Angeles Clippers PG Reggie Jackson, SG Nicolas Batum, SF Paul George Q, PF Marcus Morris, C Ivica Zubac

Key Injuries

Utah Jazz Hassan Whiteside: Foot (QUESTIONABLE) Rudy Gobert: Leg (QUESTIONABLE) Udoka Azubuike: Ankle (OUT) Danuel House Jr.: Knee (OUT) Bojan Bogdanovic: Calf (OUT)

Los Angeles Clippers Paul George: Elbow (QUESTIONABLE) Norman Powell: Foot (OUT) Brandon Boston Jr.: Illness (QUESTIONABLE) Jason Preston: Foot (OUT) Jay Scrubb: Toe (OUT) Kawhi Leonard: Knee (OUT)

The Los Angeles Clippers host the Utah Jazz in a Western-Conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 10:00 PM ET at the Staples Center.

Recent Form

The Utah Jazz come into this game with an overall record of 45-30, placing them 5th in the Western Conference. On the season, Utah has won exactly half of their 38 road matchups, sitting at 19-19. Over the Jazz’ last five games, they have picked up just 1 win. In this stretch, Utah’s offense is scoring right in line with their season average, putting up 102.0 points per game. Combined, the Jazz’s last five opponents are giving up 108.0 points per contest. In this recent cold stretch, the Jazz are allowing an average of 111.0 points per game, similar to their usual rate of 107.6.In the Utah Jazz’ most recent game, the team fell to Dallas by a score of 114-100.

The Los Angeles Clippers come into this game with an overall record of 36-39, placing them 8th in the Western Conference. So far, Los Angeles is above .500 at home, holding a record of 20-16. Over the Clippers’ last five games, they have picked up just 0 wins. In this stretch, Los Angeles’s offense is scoring right in line with their season average, putting up 103.0 points per game. Combined, the Clippers’ last five opponents are giving up 107.0 points per contest. A key reason for the Clippers’ recent struggles is a defensive unit giving up 119.0 points over their last five contests. This figure is up from their season average of 108.3. In the Los Angeles Clippers’ most recent game, the team fell to Philadelphia by a score of 122-97.

Individual Player Analysis

As Utah travels to take on the Los Angeles Clippers, the Jazz’ leading scorer is Donovan Mitchell. Through 63 games, Mitchell is averaging 25 points. On the season, he has surpassed his season average in 59.0% of his games. As Mitchell gets set to take on the Clippers, he could be in line for a big game as Los Angeles is allowing their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 53.97% of their games. This figure places them 25th among NBA defenses. On the other side, Paul George leads the Clippers in scoring, averaging 24 points across his 27 games. Throughout the season, George has outscored his season average in 48.0% of his outings. However, if he hopes to add to this total, George will need to do so against a Jazz defense that has been tough on their opponent’s top scorers. So far, leading scores have surpassed their season average at a rate of just 39.68%. This figure is good for a rank of 2nd in the league.

Matchup Analysis

The Jazz come into this game as the more efficient offensive team, averaging 112.8 points per 100 possessions. When playing as the superior offensive unit, Utah is winning at a rate of 50%. These victories are coming by an average margin of 14.0 points. On the other side, the Clippers hold the advantage on the defensive end of the floor. So far, they have played 26 games as the better defensive team, picking up 15 wins (58%).

The Historicals

Heading into today’s matchup, the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Clippers have met up for 2 games. In their last meeting, Utah picked up a 121-92 win.

How the Public is Betting the Jazz vs Clippers

67% are betting the Clippers against the spread.
52% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of 216.0

More Picks: Lakers vs. Mavs Betting Preview with Free Pick ATS >>>

Betting Trends Worth Noting

• Jazz are 22-45-3 ATS in their last 70 games following a straight up loss.
• Jazz are 15-33-3 ATS in their last 51 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
• Clippers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games.
• Clippers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite.

Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread

Heading into this Western Conference matchup, the Utah Jazz will look to get back on track, as they have lost 4 straight games. With this rough stretch, they are now just a .5 game ahead of Denver for the 5th seed. On the other side, the Clippers are nearly a lock for the 8th seed and a birth in the NBA play-in tournament. With the Clippers sitting as 1 point favorites, I see the Jazz finding the win column and covering the spread.