The Los Angeles Clippers, currently on a three-game losing streak, will aim to regain control when they host the Utah Jazz on Saturday night in Inglewood, Calif.
Clippers’ Situation:
The Clippers recently completed a trade with the Jazz, acquiring Drew Eubanks and Patty Mills, while the Jazz received Mo Bamba and P.J. Tucker. Bamba has since been waived, and Tucker has been traded twice more.
Despite the troubling skid, the Clippers’ last two defeats are particularly concerning, as they were overwhelmed by their opponents during decisive stretches. On Tuesday, the Clippers were blitzed from the start in a 122-97 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. They followed that with a 119-112 defeat to the Indiana Pacers on Thursday, struggling particularly in the second quarter and closing minutes.
The Clippers have a 2-4 record in home games since January 20, after winning six consecutive games in their new arena, starting with a 144-107 victory over the Jazz on December 16. The Clippers are 2-0 against Utah this season, with both wins coming in Inglewood.
On Thursday, the Clippers squandered a 22-point lead against the Pacers, who took the lead with a minute remaining before halftime. The Clippers were outscored 42-19 in the second quarter, committing eight turnovers, and allowing Indiana to shoot 57.7 percent from the field in that decisive period. James Harden and Norman Powell each scored 22 points, while Ivica Zubac had 18 points and 15 rebounds. Kawhi Leonard added 19 points in a season-high 33 minutes, playing in his 13th game after a delayed start to the season due to knee soreness.
Jazz’s Situation:
The Jazz have gone 2-2 since ending an eight-game losing streak and arrive in Los Angeles following a heartbreaking 135-127 overtime defeat to the Phoenix Suns on Friday. John Collins scored 21 points for Utah, while Walker Kessler had 19 points and a career-high 22 rebounds.
Utah led 120-116 with 4.7 seconds remaining before Grayson Allen hit two 3-pointers for the Suns in the closing seconds to send the game into overtime. Phoenix then scored the first eight points in the extra period to secure the victory.
The Jazz are on a seven-game road losing streak, including two losses at Phoenix. They have a 7-20 record away from home this season. Despite their position near the bottom of the Western Conference standings, the Jazz remain positive, especially now that the trade deadline has passed.
Key Players:
- Clippers: James Harden, Norman Powell, Ivica Zubac, Kawhi Leonard
- Jazz: John Collins, Walker Kessler
