Los Angeles Clippers vs. Utah Jazz Game 3 Odds, Betting Trends and Picks

The Utah Jazz defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 117-111 in Game 2 to take a commanding 2-0 series lead.

Can the Clippers mount another 0-2 comeback like they did in Round 1 against the Dallas Mavericks?

BetQL Model Trends and Plays:

• Los Angeles Clippers are 55 - 39 versus good shooting teams - making >=46% of their shots over the last two years
• Los Angeles Clippers are 61 - 47 versus explosive offensive teams - scoring 110+ points/game over the last two years
• Projected score: Jazz 110.5 - Clippers 112
  
  For all of BetQL’s NBA Playoff top plays click here.

* These are the model's ratings at the time the article was published. Star ratings can change due to line changes, injuries, and other breaking information.

Utah Jazz at Los Angeles Clippers (-4.5, 223) - 8:30 PM EST

The Jazz have dominated this series from the start, which means the Clippers will need to dig deep to come out of this 0-2 hole. Yes, LA came back in Round 1 against Dallas, but this is a much better Utah team. The best team in basketball, record wise. When it comes to gambling, the oddsmakers have made the Clippers 4.5-point favorites.

Game 2 was more lopsided than the final score indicated. But, the Clippers did battle back from a huge deficit, which showed some heart. Los Angeles switched to a zone in the second half, which seemed to give Utah some problems.

Utah's Donovan Mitchell has put on a show through two games. Spida is averaging an insane 41 points per game so far against Los Angeles. Mitchell did seem to hurt his ankle in the closing minute of Game 2, and it's been reported that he had a "considerable limp" following the game. If Donovan is truly injured, that would swing this series entirely as he is the engine that makes the Jazz go. The Clippers have had no answer for him so far, but if he is hobbled and Mike Conley is still out, Utah will be in trouble.

The Jazz, most notably Mitchell and Jordan Clarkson, have been on fire from deep. There's a chance we see some shooting regression from Mitchell and Clarkson in Game 3. The duo is currently averaging a combined 62 points and 12 3-pointers made per game.

Los Angeles is officially in must-win territory. LAC finished the regular season with a 26-10 home record, so getting their fans back while getting away from that rabid Jazz fanbase will help tonight. The Clippers also score 115.6 points a game at home, almost four points more than they average on the road.

Can Leonard step up? If they want to have any chance of winning, the former Finals MVP will need to make his mark. The Klaw is averaging just 22 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4 assists this series. That's a huge drop from Round 1, where he put up 32.1 points per game.

Here's an interesting trend that relates to the Clips: The team is 4-1 ATS in their last five games as betting favorites.

The public also seems to be all over the Jazz in Game 3, which might mean it is a good time to go the contrarian route gambling wise. Here's a great tweet by BetMGM's John Ewing showing why:

LAC has a ton of talent, so I like them to come out with some pride in this spot. Coach Tyronn Lue is experienced, so I anticipate him coming up with a way to slow down Mitchell. Look for the team to trap Spida higher to get the ball out of his hands, or to mix in some of that zone which looked to be effective in Game 2.

LA had multiple chances to steal a game on the road. If they can shoot a little bit better and Utah sees some shooting regression, the Clippers should be able to run away with this game in the second half.

Leonard is one of the most clutch players in postseason history, so I see a big game on deck from him. The home crowd should help as well.

Pick: Clippers -4.5