The Los Angeles Clippers begin a five-game homestand tonight against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center. The Clippers are in the midst of a stretch of 17 days during which they don't have to leave Los Angeles, and in the midst of 32 straight days in the state of California. They have won five of their last six games overall, and look to continue their solid play against the 21-10 Jazz.
The Clippers have lost 41 of their last 42 games in Utah, dating back to 1990, but have enjoyed better success against the Jazz in Los Angeles. The Clippers have beaten Utah at home in eight of their last 14 meetings at Staples Center. The Jazz have beaten the Clippers twice this season, 109-107 in Utah on November 6, and 109-97 in Los Angeles on November 28.
Blake Griffin is doing his best to make an All-Star push, averaging 21.2 points and 12.4 rebounds this season. He has 19 straight double-doubles, tied with Michael Cage for the longest streak by a Clipper in the last 25 seasons. In fact, Griffin has had at least 20 points and 10 rebounds in each of his last eight games, and he leads the NBA with 18 20-10 games this season. Griffin also leads the NBA with 75 dunks this season.
Point guard Deron Williams leads Utah in scoring (22.6 points per game) and assists (9.5 per game). Williams made a career-high six three-pointers on Monday against Portland, a loss for the Jazz. Utah is 10-4 away from home this season, the fourth-best road record in the NBA.
Tonight's game will be televised by both Prime Ticket and NBA TV. This is the final game of the calendar year for the Clippers, who next play Sunday afternoon at home against Atlanta.
For more Clippers news, be sure to read the SB Nation blog Clips Nation.