The Clippers look forward to a two-game showdown against Jazz – Orange County Register

It’s a challenging season and this is a test-written exactly on schedule-that the Clippers really look forward to.

Utah Jazz is coming to town.

And it’s not a one-night engagement. The heavyweight showdown between the deep and talented Clippers and the NBA’s hottest team is set to last two rounds at the Staples Center on Wednesday and Friday. The Clippers could benefit if Kawhi Leonard could play after missing the last two games due to a bruise on his left thigh. According to the team, he is considered suspicious.

However, the host does not have Paul George. The other Clippers Starwings will miss the seventh game due to swollen bones in their right toes. Nicolas Batum will also miss two consecutive games with a concussion. Patrick Beverley, who was absent on Monday, was not reported on Tuesday as the Clippers finished a series of matches.

“We’re all watching. They’re a lot of good teams,” said Marcus Morris Sr. of the Clippers after defeating Miami 125-118 in a short hand on Monday, scoring the best 32 points of the season. I’m breaking. ” “It will be a good game to see where we are.”

The Clippers (21-8) pay homage, and detailed knowledge is that Utah (23-5), who has defeated all visitors from January 8th to 19-1, is not just an opponent. Shows the fact.

“That is, they’re playing great,” said Clippers Guard Reggie Jackson. “We know they like to go into transition. I’m sure they’ll probably get the most three in the league. They’re hunting them. One of them. Not only are there guys out there, but the whole team is locked and loaded and ready to shoot, so they’re really going to put pressure on us, protect the lines and not lose to the dribble. I think.”

Of course, the Clippers have their own challenges. Tyronn Lue’s team has improved to 15-4 for four consecutive games since January 10th, and continues to rise even though it is well below full strength.

Still, in the six-game span without George, the Clippers scored the fourth highest point (120.3) in the NBA, the third best field goal rate (50.5), and the highest three. I am. Point percentage (42.9), and fourth best net rating (plus -7.7).

Utah arrives in Los Angeles with similarly advertiseable rankings, whether sliced ​​throughout the season or in the last 20 games.

Indeed, since January 8th, jazz has found a much larger groove. The score is 4th (118.6), 3 points is 1st (17.7), the rebound is 1st (48.4), and the league’s highest net rating (plus -13.5).

Utah hasn’t been strong enough these days either. Starting point guard Mike Conley illuminated the Clippers with a season-high 33 points at the first meeting of the New Year’s Day team in Salt Lake City, where jazz won. 106 -100 – I missed the last 5 games with a sick hamstring.

Still, Donovan Mitchell’s great play (24.2 points per game), Jordan Clarkson’s big jump (average number of careers including 18.2 points), and Rudy Gobert’s dynamic defense (including about 10 defensive rebounds per game). Behind the scenes, jazz is a beat not missed.

And the Clippers sounded pretty excited that Monday night.

“It will be a great test for us. To be honest, I’m happy to receive it twice,” he wrote brilliantly as a starter while Lou was adjusting the lineup to deal with the injury. Jackson said.