Game Preview
The Los Angeles Clippers will be looking to snap a three-game skid as they host the struggling Utah Jazz on Monday night. While the Clippers have enjoyed a solid start to the season at 14-12, they've hit a rough patch lately, dropping 3 straight and 5 of their last 10 games.
Despite the recent slide, the Clippers have been scoring at a steady clip, averaging 108.3 points per game on the year. Their offense has dipped slightly over the last 10 games to 107.3 points, but they've been able to lean on a 46.3 percent shooting mark from the field to stay afloat. From deep, however, LA has struggled, hitting just 35.1 percent of their threes during this 5-5 stretch.
On the other end, the Clippers have been respectable defensively, holding opponents to 107.4 points per contest over their last 10 outings. They've been particularly solid on the glass, pulling down 41.5 rebounds a night while forcing 11.7 steals per game over this span. Turnovers have been an issue though, coughing it up 14.4 times a night.
The visiting Jazz, meanwhile, have endured a brutal campaign at 5-19 on the year. Utah has struggled mightily on both ends, averaging 109.9 points per game while surrendering a whopping 119.3 points on the defensive end. Their shooting numbers have been pedestrian, hitting 46 percent from the field and just 36 percent from three.
Over their last 10 games, not much has changed for the reeling Jazz. They've scored 112.5 points a night, but have been torched for 120 points per contest on defense. While grabbing 45.5 rebounds and dishing out 25.4 assists, Utah has been plagued by 17.7 turnovers per game during this brutal 2-8 stretch.
With the Clippers looking to get back on track and the Jazz simply trying to keep their heads above water, this matchup appears lopsided on paper. If LA can take care of the ball and continue their strong defensive play, they should be able to pull out of this funk against the reeling Jazz.