The Utah Jazz head to southern California to take on the Los Angeles Clippers for their Game 3 matchup in the 2021 NBA Playoffs. It's time to continue our NBA Playoffs odds series with a Jazz-Clippers Game 3 prediction and pick.
The Jazz currently hold a 2-0 lead to start the series and hope to demoralize their opponent with a third straight win. Donovan Mitchell has been on a tear since returning from his injury in the first round. His team will look his way quite often, as he gives them their best bet of advancing through the postseason.
The Clippers have found themselves down 0-2 for the second round in a row. Last time Kawhi Leonard and company were able to battle back and defeat the Dallas Mavericks in seven games. Can Los Angeles do it again? Or will their stroke of luck run out?
Here's how the sportsbooks have set the Jazz-Clippers Game 3 odds.
NBA Playoffs: Jazz-Clippers Game 3 odds
Utah Jazz +4.5 (-106)
Los Angeles Clippers -4.5 (-114)
Over 223.5 (-110)
Under 223.5 (-110)
Why the Jazz could cover the spread
Utah is one of the best scoring teams in the league, which has played a huge part in earning the number one seed for the 2021 NBA Playoffs. Between Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert, Mike Conley, and the supporting cast, the Jazz are capable of going toe-to-toe with anyone. They'll have to be at their best for Game 3 though, as the Clippers will be doing anything they can to stay alive.
Their best bet to at least cover the spread is to continue running the ball through Mitchell. He dropped 37 points in Game 2 which proved to be too much for the Clippers to handle. However, it was their efficient scoring that really set themselves apart. If Utah goes out to Los Angeles and shoots over 55% from the field again, the Jazz could easily cover the spread or win this game.
Why the Clippers could cover the spread
Los Angeles has been in this position before in the first round. They were able to bounce back, but to do that against the Jazz is a different story. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George have to be at their best. Luckily for the Clippers, they've kept the first two games of this series rather close, which bodes well for their chances going forward.
For the Clippers to win and cover the spread, the rotational players have to step their games up. We saw Reggie Jackson 29 points in the last matchup, leading Los Angeles in points. However, they need someone else to rise up if they hope to bring this series to 2-1. Look for Marcus Morris to have a larger role in Game 3, as his scoring could give the Clippers the boost they need.
Final Jazz-Clippers Game 3 prediction & Pick
Game 3 should come down to the wire, as these rosters are incredibly even. We should be seeing Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Donovan Mitchell at full display. However, it's the rotational players that will be the deciding factor. Although Mitchell tends to receive more help from his teammates than Leonard and George do, the Clippers are set up to earn their first victory in this series. The homecourt advantage should play a factor in this one, allowing Los Angeles to close the gap on Utah.
FINAL PREDICTION & PICK: LA Clippers win 114-110
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