Both teams are locked with a 4-2 record, but will head to the game on opposite sides in terms of momentum. The Los Angeles Clippers are coming off a win over the previously undefeated San Antonio Spurs, while the Utah Jazz are reeling from a loss against the previously winless Sacramento Kings.

The Jazz won the first meeting this past week, 110-96, led by Donovan Mitchell and Mike Conley combining for 53 points on 21-for-34 shooting (61.7%). Lou Williams, meanwhile, was the only Clippers starter to score in double digits. Kawhi did not play that game due to load management.

Kawhi Leonard will come out with guns blazing

Kawhi virtually carried the Clippers in Friday’s 103-97 over the Spurs, blasting his former team for 38 points, 12 rebounds, and four steals. Look for him to have a similarly aggressive mindset while trying to even the season series with the Jazz

It’s been an all-around season for the two-time Finals MVP (29.2 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 6.2 APG, 2.2 SPG) and since he has always avenged the major losses of his NBA career, avenging the recent defeat is a minor task. Also, his career-high 45 points was against the Jazz.

Lou Williams (20.8 PPG) and Montrezl Harrell (19.3 PPG) are again out to aid their superstar swingman. Expect the two to be the reliable second and third options behind Leonard.

The match-up doesn’t look good for the Jazz, but…

The Jazz are heading to the game with terrible momentum. They just lost to the previously winless Kings in heartbreaking fashion, 102-101, and will now meet a defensively talented team on the road.

Then again, the Clippers lost to the Phoenix Suns, and if there’s a team that could shock any powerhouse opponent on any given day, it’s the Jazz. They have aces on offense and defense in Donovan Mitchell (24 PPG) and Rudy Gobert (10.7 PPG, 11.7 RPG), as well as underrated weapons in Bojan Bogdanovic (20.4 PPG) and the hard-nosed Joe Ingles. Mike Conley is also gaining steam as he has averaged 24 points on 53.3%-shooting in his last two.

Additionally, the Jazz are still boasting a widely-respected defense, one that’s been on an elite level for the past three seasons. They are currently top two in points allowed (94 PPG) and defensive rating.

PREDICTION:

The Clippers even the season-series with a decisive win. Prepare for another fine performance from Kawhi Leonard.