NBA Playoffs 2017: Clippers vs. Jazz Game 4 live stream: Watch online
By Connor Learn
Chris Paul led a comeback victory despite Blake Griffin’s absence in game three of the Clippers series against the Jazz. They now lead 2-1 heading into a pivotal game three.
Blake Griffin has been ruled out for the postseason with a toe injury so Los Angeles will be hampered by his absence. Utah now has a better chance of winning this series, especially if Rudy Gobert is able to go again. Game 3 showed that Chris Paul is capable of taking over and winning a game in this series, and his play could be the difference in this series moving forward. Friday night’s matchup also had Gordon Hayward’s star moment-a Jazz record 22 points in the first quarter and he will be ready to lead the Jazz at home to attempt to even the series as well.
Marreese Speights will step into the starting lineup for Griffin. Additionally, Paul Pierce was pressed into 20 minutes of playing time in game three and may have to do so again in game four. With these two facing Boris Diaw of Utah, the power forward position will likely be a fairly neutral matchup moving forward.
Below you can find the projected starting lineups for both teams. Rudy Gobert has been upgraded to questionable in advance of Game 4, but even if he does play, he could be limited.
Projected starting lineups
Clippers: Chris Paul, J.J. Redick, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, Marreese Speights and DeAndre Jordan.
Jazz: George Hill, Joe Ingles, Gordon Hayward, Boris Diaw and Derrick Favors.