The Hive Sports

Los Angeles Clippers vs Utah Jazz Pregame Analysis

by Alma Bean Feature Image by Francisco Kjolseth of the Salt Lake Tribune After a disappointing first outing by the Utah Jazz, they look to get back on track as the visiting Los Angeles Clippers look to rain on their parade. What to Look For Utah’s guard situation is still up in the air. Though…

Alma Bean

October 27, 2023

2–3 minutes

Bones Hyland, Brandon Boston Jr., Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson, Kawhi Leonard, Keyonte George, Kris Dunn, Los Angeles Clippers, NBA, Ochai Agbaji, Paul George, Russell Westbrook, Talen Horton-Tucker, Terence Mann, Utah Jazz, Walker Kessler

by Alma Bean

Feature Image by Francisco Kjolseth of the Salt Lake Tribune

After a disappointing first outing by the Utah Jazz, they look to get back on track as the visiting Los Angeles Clippers look to rain on their parade.

What to Look For

Utah’s guard situation is still up in the air. Though it has only been one game into the season, Utah mixed and matched who would be their main ball handler. Utah worked with Jordan Clarkson and Talen Horton-Tucker to start the game and once they went into their rotations, we began to see the multitude of options. Varying lineups with Ochai Agbaji, Kris Dunn, Keyonte George and Collin Sexton, Utah got to see what works and what can be scrapped.

With one game in the books, it looks pretty clear that the dependable ball handlers on this team is Clarkson, Dunn and George. Both were able to facilitate as needed along with scoring when the passing lanes weren’t available. Collectively, Utah’s guards accounted for 14 of Utah’s 22 assists while accounting for 11 of Utah’s 14 turnovers. With a defensive three-headed monster in the in Los Angeles with Paul George, Kawhi Leonard and Russell Westbrook, Utah needs to be mindful of how tight of passing windows they will be looking for.

Key of the Game

Rotations. Just like the preseason, it looks like head coach Will Hardy is trying to find new lineups to potentially confuse the opposition. One of those lineups consisting of four guards and one center. Though the lineup structures may look a little strange, what’s even more strange is the lack of minutes for Walker Kessler. Amongst all qualifying centers, Kessler is 36th of 62 in the league in minutes with 22.2 minutes. For a player that was one of the best shot blockers in the league last season, it’s difficult to see why Kessler didn’t see more time on the floor when he was able to keep up with his assignment.

Injury Report

Los Angeles- Brandon Boston Jr. (quadricep): Questionable, Bones Hyland (ankle): Questionable, Terence Mann (ankle): Out

Utah- N/A

Where to Watch

Tip-off will be at 7:30 p.m. MST on KJZZ and Jazz+.

Author

Written by

Alma Bean

I am currently a student at the University of Utah working toward my second bachelor’s degree, this time in communication with an emphasis in journalism. I currently have a bachelor’s degree in music from Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Florida. As I pursue a degree in communication, I dream to bring this emphasis of journalism to the world of sports. When I’m not writing, I allow my inner basketball fan to come out as I watch previous games and highlights across the NBA to become a walking, talking sports almanac.

The Hive Sports