Utah Jazz vs LA Clippers Prediction and Betting Tips - Jan. 1 | 2025-26 NBA Season 

The Utah Jazz will start the new year on the road as they face the LA Clippers on Thursday, Jan. 1. The game will see the clash between two of the Western Conference's best forwards Lauri Markkanen of the Jazz and Kawhi Leonard of the Clippers.

The Jazz will enter the game as the 11th seed in the West with a 12-20 record. They have won two of their last three games.

Meanwhile, the Clippers are in the 13th spot in the West with a 10-21 slate, having won five straight games, including back-to-back on their home court.

Here is the preview of the Jazz-Clippers clash inside the Intuit Dome in LA. Tip-off is scheduled at 10:30 Eastern time.

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Utah Jazz vs LA Clippers odds

Moneyline: Jazz (+450) vs Clippers (-500)

Spread: Jazz +11.5 (-105) vs Clippers -11 (-109)

Total (O/U): Jazz -110 (o235.5) vs Clippers -110 (u236.5)

Editor's note: The odds could change close to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.

Utah Jazz vs LA Clippers preview

The Jazz will be leaning on Lauri Markkannen, who is putting up 27.7 points and 7.0 rebounds per game this season. In the Jazz's previous game against the Boston Celtics, he had 22 points and nine rebounds.

Up-and-coming guard Keyonte George is the Jazz's second-best scorer, averaging 24.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game this season. He led the team in scoring in the last game as he fired 37 points, albeit in a losing effort.

On the other hand, Kawhi Leonard will be anchoring the Clippers with averages of 27.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. He notched 33 points against the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday, which followed his career-high 55-point showing against the Detroit Pistons.

James Harden will back him up as he is norming 26.1 points and 7.9 assists per game.

Utah Jazz vs LA Clippers betting tips

• Lauri Markkanen O/U 27.5 points – Take the under.
• Keyonte George O/U 24.5 points– Take the over.
• Kawhi Leonard O/U 27.5 points– Take the over.
• James Harden O/U 26.5 points– Take the under.

Utah Jazz vs LA Clippers prediction

We predict a win for the Clippers, continuing their winning streak, especially as they aim to climb the West standings to open the year. With Leonard and Harden's recent performances, the Clippers remain a dangerous team, coupled with a homecourt advantage.

Our prediction: Clippers win by 9.

Edited by Rob Andrew Lo