'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The LA Clippers will be looking to steal a win on the road against the Utah Jazz in Game 2 of their Western Conference Semifinals series on Thursday night. A second-half turnaround had allowed the Jazz to win the first matchup.
The biggest positive for the LA Clippers from Tuesday's game was that both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George struggled to stamp their authority and they still lost the game by just three points. Luke Kennard's 18-point performance on 7-of-9 shooting was noteworthy too.
The Utah Jazz looked out of sorts in the first quarter when they missed 21 straight shots, but Donovan Mitchell's fiery performance lifted the team. Mitchell scored 45 while both Jordan Clarkson and Bojan Bogdanovic had 18 points apiece. Newly crowned Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert also played his part to perfection by making the game-saving block.
Trending
LA Clippers Injury Report
Serge Ibaka never traveled to Utah with the LA Clippers and it was highly probable that he'll be missing the first two games of the series. The franchise has officially ruled him out of Game 2. Ibaka hasn't played in over two weeks as he continues to nurse his back injury and is likely going to miss more games in the future.
Utah Jazz Injury Report
The Utah Jazz were hopeful about Mike Conley's availability after he missed the first game due to a mild hamstring strain. He was even listed as questionable in the initial injury reports. Following today's shootaround, though, Conley has been ruled out for a second straight matchup against the LA Clippers.
LA Clippers vs Utah Jazz: Predicted Lineups
LA Clippers
The LA Clippers will play the same starting lineup from Game 1. Reggie Jackson and Paul George will start in the backcourt, while Kawhi Leonard and Marcus Morris Sr. will be the two forwards. Nicolas Batum will start at center but will split the minutes at the five with Ivica Zubac.
Rajon Rondo and Terance Mann will feature off the bench. DeMarcus Cousins could be given some playing time if coach Ty Lue wants to go big. Luke Kennard played more minutes against the Utah Jazz in Game 1 than he did in the entire series against Dallas, so he's expected to feature again.
Utah Jazz
With Mike Conley on the sidelines again, Donovan Mitchell will lead the way for the Utah Jazz and Joe Ingles will slot in beside him to complete the backcourt. Bojan Bogdanovic, Royce O'Neale and Rudy Gobert will round out the starting lineup.
Sixth Man of the Year Jordan Clarkson will be the main guy off the bench for the Utah Jazz and is likely to play over 30 minutes. Forwards Derrick Favors and Georges Niang are the only other Jazz reserves guaranteed to get some playing time.
LA Clippers vs Utah Jazz: Predicted Starting 5s
LA Clippers
Point Guard - Reggie Jackson | Shooting Guard - Paul George | Small Forward - Kawhi Leonard | Power Forward - Marcus Morris Sr. | Center - Nicolas Batum
Utah Jazz
Point Guard - Donovan Mitchell | Shooting Guard - Joe Ingles | Small Forward - Bojan Bogdanovic | Power Forward - Royce O'Neale | Center - Rudy Gobert
Dear reader, please help us improve our NBA/basketball coverage by taking a quick, 30-second survey. Click here!
