The L.A. Clippers are in the most crucial race of their up-and-down season, and could possibly face one of their biggest tests of chemistry and team camaraderie against the Utah Jazz tonight. Both teams have battled fiercely for the fourth spot in the West, making this a potential swing win for either team. If the Jazz
If the Jazz win, they'd pull away to a 2.5 game-distance from Lob City, but if the Clips net the W, they'd be only half a game removed from snatching the No. 4 seed and gaining homecourt advantage in the playoffs, which could prove indispensable in a tightly-contested series.
L.A has gone 5-5 in their last 10 games, as the team has struggled to find an identity, with an older, much-less-athletic ensemble. Rumor has it, the team still holds some resentment toward head coach Doc Rivers for favoring his son, Austin, while it isn't “out of control,” according to Bleacher Report's Kevin Ding.
Austin Rivers is playing just as many minutes as starter J.J. Redick (27.9 minutes per game) and 1.5 more than reigning Sixth Man of the Year Jamal Crawford — a considerable jump from last season's 21.9-minute run per contest.
While Crawford is indeed aging at 37-years-old, an argument could be made for Rivers' efficiency playing a factor into it — shooting career-highs across the board and becoming a reliable replacement for the often-injured Chris Paul during his absences.
L.A. will be forced to put all their chips forward as a big free agency period is looming, with Paul, Redick, and Blake Griffin facing tough decisions in the upcoming offseason. Saturday night's game against the Jazz could become the statement game that can turn the season in the Clippers favor with nine games left on the schedule.
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