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The Utah Jazz have taken a 2-0 series lead over the Los Angeles Clippers, proving they’re deserving of the number one seed of the Western Conference so far. The first two games have been highly entertaining, as each one has come down to the wire. The Clippers are very familiar with the feeling of falling 0-2 in a series, so the team should still feel confident heading into Game 3.
Donovan Mitchell has been lights out since his return, providing the boost Utah needs to make a deep run in the postseason. However, the Clippers have Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, who can turn the jets on at any minute. This series should continue to be highly entertaining throughout.
For Game 3, we could see a bit of a change of pace from both squads. Utah shot over 55% from the field, which is just insane. Meanwhile, the Clippers’ rotational players have to step up in a big way, and there is one player that seems ready for more playing time. Saturday’s game should be a nail-biter, as the Jazz and Clippers will bring their best forward in Game 3. Here are three bold predictions for the Jazz-Clippers Saturday matchup.
Utah’s shooting comes back to earth
The Jazz shot out of this world in Game 2, which allowed them to maintain the lead throughout. Not only did they shoot over 55% from the field, but the team shot 51.3% from beyond the arc as well. They’re the best three-point shooting team in the league and they showed that in the last game.
Even so, hot streaks tend to last so long until it dwindles back down to earth. They’re still one of the most efficient teams when it comes to scoring, so hitting their year average is still impressive. However, with the Jazz settling down a tad in Game 3, it allows the Clippers to strike.
Boogie records double-digit points
DeMarcus Cousins has played extremely minimal minutes for quite some time now. He used to be considered one of the best centers in the league, but since suffering a serious injury in 2018. After dealing with a string of injuries since then, Cousins hasn’t been the same center he used to be.
However, Cousins has been given some playing time the last two games. Although he’s not playing a tremendous amount of time, Boogie Cousins has been phenomenal for the Clippers whenever he’s on the floor. In Game 2, Cousins played 11 minutes and was able to record 6 points and 4 rebounds. That’s solid production for such a short time span. He may receive more playing time in Game 3. If he continues to perform the way he has, Boogie could become the X-Factor the Clippers need to get back in this series.
Clippers bring the series to 2-1
The stars are aligning for Los Angeles to win their first game of this matchup on Saturday. They head back to LA, which gives the Clippers a much-needed homecourt advantage. Between Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the Clippers will be in every game they play. However, they’ll need the rest of the team to step up and if Cousins keeps playing as he has, LA could become a legitimate threat to Utah’s spectacular season.
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