
USA Today via Reuters
Jun 6, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) reacts during the second half in game seven of the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Jun 6, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) reacts during the second half in game seven of the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The first-seeded Utah Jazz host the LA Clippers in game 5 of their second-round series. This game is scheduled for 10:00 PM EST and will be held at the Vivint Arena.
After leveling the series 2-2 against the Jazz, the LA Clippers looked prime to take control of the series. But before their game 5 clash against the Jazz, the Clippers suffered from a massive setback as superstar Kawhi Leonard was ruled out with a knee injury.
Despite missing their best player, the Clippers saw their other star Paul George step up as he dropped 37 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assists. Apart from PG-13, LAC also saw role players Reggie Jackson and Marcus Morris step up as they combined to put up 47 points. The Clippers ultimately ousted the Jazz 119-111,
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The Clippers definitely showed that they can excel with ‘the Klaw’, and if they can maintain their exceptional form, they surely can advance to the Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history.
The Jazz, meanwhile, will be disappointed by their game 5 display against the Clippers. Despite hitting franchise high 17 three pointers in the very first half of the game, the Jazz couldn’t contain the Clippers in the defensive end who had multiple easy baskets. This meant that they couldn’t build a lead and this certainly hurt them in the second half.
With Donovan Mitchell struggling with his ankle injury and others struggling to hit three pointers, the Jazz couldn’t match the Clippers’ offense. The Jazz are certainly missing another creator in offense in Mike Conley and if he doesn’t return, Mitchell might have to carry his team in game 6 to force a game 7.
Predictions
While the Clippers might not have Kawhi Leonard available for this matchup, they certainly have shown that they can adjust against any opposition and can put up enough defensive stops in a game.
The Jazz see their best player in Donovan Mitchell struggle with an ankle injury and Mike Conley’s health up in the air. Given that the Clippers have home court advantage and the form they have shown in the last three games, Paul George might lead the Clippers to a first appearance in the Conference finals.
LA Clippers’ injury updates and predicted lineup
The Clippers will miss Serge Ibaka, who is recovering from a back injury. Superstar Kawhi Leonard is recovering from a knee injury and is out for game 6. With a 3-2 lead, the Clippers have the opportunity to close it out in the Staples center. Will Paul George and Co. lead the Clippers to a first appearance in the Conference Finals?

USA Today via Reuters
Jun 16, 2021; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; LA Clippers guard Paul George (13) dribbles up the court during the first half of game five in the second round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Probable Lineup
Reggie Jackson (G)
Paul George (G)
Luke Kennard (G)
Marcus Morris Sr. (F)
Nicolas Batum (C)
Utah Jazz injury updates and lineup prediction
The Jazz might miss three key players due to injuries. Rookie forward Elijah Hughes is sidelined with illness. Their starting point guard, Mike Conley, is questionable with a hamstring injury while Donovan Mitchell is questionable with an ankle injury.

USA Today via Reuters
Jun 8, 2021; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) watches is three-pointer drop against LA Clippers forward Nicolas Batum (33) in the first quarter during game one in the second round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. at Vivint Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
Probable Lineup
Joe Ingles (G)
Donovan Mitchell (G)
Bojan Bogdanovic (F)
Royce O’Neale (F)
Rudy Gobert (C)
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Who will win between the LA Clippers and the Utah Jazz? Let us know in the comments below.
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