The NBA betting action goes on Wednesday, December 15, 2021, with 11 games around the league, including this Western Conference showdown at Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City, so we bring you the best Clippers vs. Jazz betting pick along with the latest odds update on Bookmaker Sportsbook. 

This is the first meeting of the season between these teams, with Utah looking to snap a four-game losing streak to the Clippers. Both teams enter especially hot, as Los Angeles has won their last four games while Utah has won their last seven. Paul George is listed as questionable for the Clippers and Kawhi Leonard is done for the season.

The Clippers Win Fourth Straight in Scorching of Suns

Los Angeles moved to 16-12 on the season, winning their fourth straight game. That moved the team to 4-2 ATS in their last six, but they are 4-7 ATS in their last 11. The last three victories were at home, but now the Clippers head to the road where they are 4-5 this season.

Los Angeles dominated Phoenix on Monday, holding the Suns to just 37.5% shooting while hitting 55.1% of their own shots. Marcus Morris led the way, recording a double-double with 24 points and 11 rebounds. Morris hit 10 of 16 shots and will be looked at as one of the leaders of this team with George likely out for this contest.

The potential loss of George is a huge one, as his 25.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 5.4 assists rank first or second on the team. However, the Clippers are a team that wins with defense, holding opponents to 104.3 points per game, fifth best in the NBA.

Jazz Continue to Hit Right Notes

The Utah Jazz moved to 19-7 with their seventh straight victory on Saturday. Utah is 3-0 ATS in their last three games and are 8-7 ATS in their last 15. The Jazz have played very well at home, going 9-4, including winning their last three games there.

Donovan Mitchell led Utah in the victory over Washington, scoring 28 points in a 123-98 win. Rudy Gobert has become a near automatic double-double each night, scoring 20 points and adding 11 rebounds. Gobert hit nine of 10 shots as Utah shot 51.6% from the field and hit 14 of 17 free throws.

Utah is also a great defensive club, fourth in the NBA in points allowed per contest at 104.2. However, they have a clear edge over Los Angeles in that this is the top scoring team in the NBA at 115.3 points per game. The Jazz are first in field-goal percentage (48.1%) and third in three-point shooting (37.2%).

Trends:

Los Angeles:

  • 2-6 ATS in their last eight games following a victory.

Utah:

  • 5-2 ATS in their last seven games.
  • 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games on a Wednesday.

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Utah Jazz Pick

Both teams are performing well against the spread of late, but the potential loss of George coupled with Leonard being out makes this an almost sure victory for Utah. The Jazz are playing exceptionally well, and they are doing the job at both ends of the court. No doubt the Clippers are a great defensive team, but Utah is even a little better and they have the offense that Los Angeles simply can’t match.

One key factor in this contest has to be Gobert. The center is shooting a ridiculous 73.4% from the field, and is averaging 14.6 rebounds per game. His domination on the glass will help Utah to dominate this contest.

Pick: Take Utah Jazz at -8.5                  

The Total:

These are two of the best defensive teams in the NBA, allowing a combined total of 208.5 points per contest. Scoring is going to be at a premium, but it must also be considered that Utah is also one of the best offensive clubs in the NBA. While I do not expect 115 out of them, it would not be surprising to see them come close to that mark.

With George likely out, the Clippers are not the same team. They will be near their season average, but will likely score right around 100 points. Los Angeles has gone under in four of their last five games.

Pick: Go under 215.5