Clippers Dominate in Season Opener

The Los Angeles Clippers enter the season with big expectations after losing in the opening round last year. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are in the last year of their contracts and the window to deliver a championship is shrinking. The squad had a disappointing 2022-2023 season but if they can stay healthy the roster is capable of success and should be able to be one of the better teams in the conference. The Clippers were marked 9.5 favorites in a 123-11 win against the Trail Blazers on Wednesday.

Kawhi Leonard only played in 52 games last season due to injury. The 32-year-old star averaged a solid 23.8 PPG and 6.5 APG. Leonard only played in one game against the Jazz last year, scoring just eight points. Leonard was productive in the opener, netting 23 points on Wednesday.

Paul George also missed time due to injury last season but is healthy. The 33-year-old forward also posted an average of 23.8 PPG and sunk 45% of his field goals. George scored 34 points in his lone game against the Jazz last year and 27 in the opener. Normal Powell is a dangerous three-point shooter. The 30-year-old connected on 39.7% of his threes last year. He accrued an average of 22 points in three meetings against the Jazz last season.

The Clippers were solid on the road last season, posting a record just above .500 at 21-20 but went 0-2 in Utah. LA has several big scoring threats and averaged 113.6 points per game last season, ranking them 18th. The Clippers allowed an average of 113.1 points, placing them 12th.

Jazz Drop Opening Game against Kings

The Utah Jazz are seeking a rebound after missing the playoffs last year, marking the first time the squad missed the playoffs since the 2016 season. The management shook things up by acquiring John Collins in a huge deal with the Hawks. The Jazz have plenty of young talent that could make a difference after drafting Taylor Hendricks with the ninth pick. The Jazz were a small 1.5-point dog in a 130-114 home loss to the Kings in their opening clash on Wednesday night.

Lauri Markkanen was a bright spot last season. The 26-year-old was acquired in the Mitchell deal before last season and enjoyed a breakout 2022-2023, sporting an average of 25.6 PPG accompanied by 8.6 RPG. He averaged 25 points against the Clippers last season and posted 19 points and 10 boards in the season opener.

Jordan Clarkson also had the best season of his career, recording 20.8 PPG. The 31-year-old point guard led the squad with 23 points in the opener. John Collins will help the Jazz defensively. The veteran power forward has spent his entire career with the Hawks. He registered 13.1 PPG on a 51% mark last year and netted 15 points in his squad debut.

Utah was solid on their home court last season, issuing a 23-18 record. The Jazz were a productive offensive squad last year, posting an average of 117.6 points, ranking them sixth. The defense was the weakness and cost them games, squandering an average of 118 points, pegging them 24th in the NBA.