Clippers Seek Playoff Push Against Injury-Hit Jazz Tonight

The Los Angeles Clippers and Utah Jazz are set to clash once again at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Tuesday night, with tip-off scheduled for 10 p.m. EST. The stakes are high for both squads as the Clippers, currently holding a 21-24 record, look to solidify their spot in the Western Conference playoff play-in race, while the Jazz, sitting at 15-31, hope to snap a rough stretch and keep their postseason dreams alive.

It’s been quite a turnaround for the Clippers, who have found their groove after a rocky start to the season. Since December 20, Los Angeles has surged to a 15-3 record, climbing back into the playoff conversation and currently occupying the tenth seed in the West. That’s the final spot for the play-in tournament—a lifeline for teams on the brink. Their recent form is nothing short of impressive: the Clippers have won 15 of their last 18 games and eight of their last nine. The defense has been the backbone of their resurgence, allowing just 106.9 points per game over that 18-game stretch, a massive improvement from earlier in the year.

Head coach Tyronn Lue has leaned heavily on his veteran stars, with Kawhi Leonard and James Harden leading the charge. Leonard, though listed as questionable for tonight’s game due to a knee issue, was in top form during the team’s 126-89 demolition of the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday, pouring in 28 points, grabbing five rebounds, and dishing out two assists. Ivica Zubac, the team’s reliable center, added a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds in that matchup. The Clippers’ recent defensive efforts and balanced scoring have made them a tough out for any opponent.

John Collins, a summer acquisition from Utah, has quietly become one of Los Angeles’ most efficient contributors. The power forward is averaging 13.4 points and 4.9 rebounds per game this season, shooting nearly 56% from the field and a career-best 43% from beyond the arc. Collins’ three-point shooting has been a revelation, especially considering the Jazz’s struggles defending the perimeter. Utah is allowing opponents to make 15.8 threes per game—the worst mark in the NBA. Collins has hit at least two triples in seven of his last ten games, and with Utah’s defensive woes, he’s poised to take advantage again.

But the Clippers aren’t without their own injury concerns. Kris Dunn (calf) is questionable, while Bogdan Bogdanovic (hamstring) and Derrick Jones Jr. (knee) have already been ruled out. The team’s depth will be tested, especially if Leonard is unable to suit up.

On the other side, the Utah Jazz are in the midst of a challenging season. After dropping six of their last seven games, the Jazz find themselves 6.5 games behind the Clippers and the final play-in spot. Lauri Markkanen, Utah’s All-Star forward and leading scorer, has missed roughly a third of the season but is expected to play tonight after being initially listed as questionable. His presence is crucial for a Jazz squad that has struggled to find consistency, especially with a slew of injuries hampering the roster.

Utah’s home record sits at 10-14, while the Clippers have struggled on the road, going just 8-15 away from Crypto.com Arena. The Jazz’s most recent outing was a tough 147-116 loss to the Miami Heat, despite Jusuf Nurkic’s impressive triple-double (17 points, 12 assists, 10 rebounds). Unfortunately, Nurkic is doubtful for tonight’s game due to illness, and the team will also be without Keyonte George (rest), Georges Niang (foot), and Walker Kessler (shoulder). Kevin Love is probable, but the frontcourt is thin, and Markkanen may face a minutes restriction as he works his way back.

Isaiah Collier, the rookie guard from USC, will get the nod at point guard in George’s absence. Collier has shown flashes of promise, averaging 9.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game in just over 23 minutes a night. His ability to facilitate and push the pace could be a wild card for Utah. When these teams last met on January 1, Collier filled the stat sheet with 16 points, six rebounds, and ten assists—an encouraging sign for Jazz fans looking for a spark.

The season series between these Western Conference foes is currently tied 1-1. Utah took the first meeting at home on October 22 with a commanding 129-108 victory. The Clippers responded with authority in their most recent encounter, rolling to a 118-101 win in Los Angeles on New Year’s Day. With both teams eager to tilt the series in their favor, tonight’s contest promises to be a high-energy battle.

Oddsmakers have installed the Clippers as significant favorites, with the spread ranging from 7.5 to 8.5 points in their favor depending on the sportsbook. The over/under for the game sits at 233.5 points, reflecting both teams’ penchant for high-scoring affairs. The "over" has hit in 29 of 46 Jazz games this season—the highest rate in the NBA—and in 22 of the Clippers’ 45 contests. Recent trends suggest another offensive showcase could be in store.

For those following the betting angles, analysts and models are generally leaning toward the Clippers to cover the spread, especially given Utah’s depleted lineup. However, some caution is warranted if Kawhi Leonard is ultimately ruled out. The consensus also favors the over, with both teams showing a tendency to exceed projected totals, particularly when their defenses are stretched thin by injuries.

As for the starting lineups, the Clippers are expected to roll out James Harden at point guard, Kris Dunn (if healthy) at shooting guard, Kawhi Leonard at small forward, John Collins at power forward, and Ivica Zubac at center. The Jazz counter with Isaiah Collier at point guard, Cody Williams at shooting guard, Ace Bailey at small forward, Lauri Markkanen at power forward, and Kyle Filipowski at center. With so many moving parts due to injuries, both coaches may need to get creative with their rotations.

Looking back, the Clippers’ recent surge has been powered by both star power and unexpected contributions. Ivica Zubac, for instance, has recorded a double-double in each of his last five games, anchoring the paint on both ends. On the other hand, the Jazz are searching for a new identity with so many key players in and out of the lineup. Markkanen’s return could provide a much-needed lift, but the supporting cast must step up if Utah hopes to keep pace with the surging Clippers.

With the season series on the line and playoff implications looming, tonight’s game is shaping up to be a must-watch for fans of both teams. The Clippers are looking to keep their momentum rolling and inch closer to postseason security, while the Jazz are desperate to stop the bleeding and ignite a turnaround on their home court. As tip-off approaches, the only certainty is that both squads will leave it all on the floor in Salt Lake City.