Expect a lot of defensive intensity and flat offensive play in this game. It's not just the Jazz ranking No. 1 in defense holding foes to 96.5 points a game while also ranking second in defensive field goal percentage and that the Clippers are an above average defensive club themselves.

This is a day game. So the teams could be sluggish with an unusual early start time. The Clippers just flew in from Dallas where they were upset by the Mavericks, 97-95, Thursday night. So it's almost a back-to-back spot for them due to the 12:30 local tip-off.

The matchup also carries serious playoff ramifications. Both are battling to gain the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference. That's huge because the fourth seed avoids the Warriors, Spurs and Rockets in the first round. Those three teams are a clear cut above the rest of the Western playoff contenders.