The Los Angeles Clippers (23-21) put their six-game winning streak on the line when they go head-to-head against the Utah Jazz (18-27) at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The game is scheduled to start at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 20, 2018.
Los Angeles Clippers at Utah Jazz ATS Prediction
In the Clippers’ last matchup, they topped the Denver Nuggets, 109-104. Getting to the free throw line was one of Los Angeles’ biggest advantages. They made 31 trips to the line, while Denver went 18 times. Los Angeles received a boost from Blake Griffin, who was the top scorer from either team with 20 points on 9-for-19 shooting.
The Jazz lost a close one to the New York Knicks in their last contest, 117-115. New York’s turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Utah. The Knicks had a rate of 10.8 (better than their season average of 13.6), while the Jazz posted a mark of 14.0. Rudy Gobert put together a solid performance for Utah, leading the team in scoring with 23 points on 7-for-10 shooting.
Looking at effective field goal percentage, Los Angeles figures to have a considerable advantage. The upper-echelon Clippers offense ranks ninth in the NBA in that metric at 0.523, while the porous Utah defense is ranked 20th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.530).
Los Angeles heads into the game with records of 23-21 straight up (SU) and 25-18-1 against the spread (ATS). Of the Clippers’ 44 games, 19 have finished under, 24 have finished over and one has pushed.
Meanwhile, Utah is 18-27 SU and 22-22 ATS. Contrary to Los Angeles, games featuring the Jazz have a slight tendency to finish under the total (52.3 percent).
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Lou Williams (34.2 points, 5.6 assists and 1.2 steals) has been stellar for the Clippers while Donovan Mitchell (27.0 points and 1.8 steals) has made great contributions to the Jazz.
Both teams have won a game in the season series. The Jazz won the most recent matchup 126-107, covering as 1-point favorites. The game finished with a total of 233 points, which was 31 points above the projected point total of 202 points. The Jazz’s turnover percentage was their largest advantage over the Clippers. Utah had a rate of 12.5, while Los Angeles posted a mark of 18.6. Alec Burks was the game’s top overall scorer with 28 points.
Los Angeles Clippers at Utah Jazz Odds Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Clippers, ATS Winner – Clippers, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Los Angeles is 12-8-1 ATS with 11 overs and 10 unders.
Utah is 13-8 ATS at home with 14 unders and 7 overs.
Utah is 10-4 when they allow less than 100 points, while Los Angeles is 10-2.
The Clippers are 21-14 when they score over 100 points, while the Jazz are 16-11.
Utah ranks second in steals per game (9.2) while Los Angeles ranks 26th in steals allowed per game (8.5).
The Jazz rank fourth in fast break points allowed per game (9.3) while the Clippers rank 28th (14.8).
Los Angeles ranks fourth in second chance points per game (14.1) while Utah ranks 25th (10.6).
The Clippers rank fourth in points in the paint per game (48.7) while the Jazz rank 24th (41.8).
Utah ranks fourth in assists allowed per game (20.3) while Los Angeles ranks 22nd (23.7).
The Jazz average 30.3 three pointers per game, which ranks ninth in the NBA. The Clippers rank 16th in three pointers allowed per game (29.0).
Utah ranks 12th in points off turnovers per game (17.1) while Los Angeles ranks 19th in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.5).
The Jazz rank 15th in blocks per game (4.7) while the Clippers rank 20th in blocks allowed per game (5.2).
Los Angeles averages 43.5 rebounds per game, which ranks 14th in the league. Utah ranks 16th in rebounds allowed per game (43.0).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Los Angeles is 5-0 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Utah is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Clippers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 12.4, up from 0.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Jazz have scored an average of 104.8 points per game (3.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 106.8 points per game (4.5 above their season average).
