Will Kawhi Leonard and Donovan Mitchell Play Tonight? LA Clippers vs Utah Jazz Game 5: Prediction, Injuries & Lineups

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 the Utah Jazz took a 2-0 lead in the series, the LA Clippers rallied a massive comeback in the next two games in the Staples Center. With superstars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George stepping up in the last two games, the Clippers dominated the Jazz. After winning game 4 with a 118-104 scoreline, the Clippers tied the series.

Just as the Clippers were starting to gain some form, the Clippers might have had suffered from a massive setback. Talisman Kawhi Leonard might have injured his ACL and might be sidelined for the rest for the series. With ‘the Klaw’ out for the game, the Clippers have a steep task ahead of them and will have to bring out the best in order to defeat the Jazz in game 5.

The Utah Jazz meanwhile had a pretty disappointing run in the last two games. Despite superstar Donovan Mitchell stepping up and scoring more than 30 points in the last four games, the Jazz have struggled to provide ample support to their star in their last two games.

Playing in their home court in game 5, the Jazz will hope that they can put on a show against the Clippers who are missing a premier defender and their talisman in Kawhi Leonard and take control of the series.

Predictions

The LA Clippers had all the momentum coming into game 5 with Paul George and Kawhi Leonard in electrifying form. But an injury to Kawhi Leonard certainly has changed the whole series. With ‘the Klaw’ missing the game, the Jazz certainly have an edge in this matchup.

LA Clippers’ injury updates and predicted lineup

The Clippers will be missing their starting center Serge Ibaka who has been sidelined with a back injury for the rest of the playoffs and will also miss their biggest superstar Kawhi Leonard who is recovering from a knee injury. With Leonard on the floor, things might get tough for the Clippers. Can Paul George step in and lead his team to victory?

Clippers fear All-NBA star Kawhi Leonard has suffered an ACL injury, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. He is out indefinitely.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 16, 2021

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 two key players due to injuries. Rookie forward Elijah Hughes is out with an illness. Their starting point guard, Mike Conley, is sidelined for game 5 as he recovers from a hamstring injury.

Jazz guard Mike Conley Jr., (hamstring) will miss Game 5 vs. the Clippers tonight, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 16, 2021

Probable Lineup

Joe Ingles (G)

Donovan Mitchell (G)

Bojan Bogdanovic (F)

Royce O’Neale (F)

Rudy Gobert (C)

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