Clippers vs Jazz

Grade B+: Clippers -9.5 (-110)

The Clippers enter this game as heavy favourites, and for good reason. L.A. has been playing solid basketball, while Utah has struggled all season, losing five of its last six. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George should have little trouble exploiting the Jazz’s weak perimeter defence, while Ivica Zubac has a favourable matchup in the paint against a Utah frontcourt that lacks physicality. On top of that, Lauri Markkanen’s lingering back issues could limit his scoring production, leaving the Jazz without their best offensive weapon. While double-digit spreads can be risky, the Clippers have covered in four of their last five matchups against losing teams. With L.A. needing wins to solidify playoff positioning and Utah showing little resistance, taking Clippers -9.5 (-110) gets a B+ grade—a strong bet against a struggling team unlikely to keep pace.

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