5 reasons why the Jazz can survive without Rudy Gobert

Apr 15, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Utah Jazz forward Joe Johnson (6) drives to the basket between LA Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) and guard Jamal Crawford (11) to score the winning basket with no time remaining in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. The final score was 97-95. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /

5 of 5

Dec 31, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; A general view of Vivint Smart Home Arena prior to the game between the Utah Jazz and Portland Trail Blazers. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Home-court advantage

With the Jazz’ victory in Game 1, they stole home-court advantage from the Clippers. This becomes monumental for Utah, as they can now win the series by winning only their home games.

Game 2 will be back in Los Angeles, and the pressure is now on the Clippers to tie the series, heading to Utah for Games 3 and 4. On the season, the Jazz are 29-12 at home, while the Clippers are 22-19 on the road. Advantage: Jazz.

During the regular season, the Jazz and Clippers split the two games that were played at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Utah won the most recent contest, 114-108, on Mar. 13. Utah’s fans will be anxiously waiting for their team to come back and it should be a hostile environment for the visiting Clippers.

Next: George Hill hit the true game-winner for Utah

Especially without Gobert, the fans will give a boost to the Jazz that may power them to more wins in this series.

Home/NBA Playoffs