LA Clippers at Utah Jazz Picks and Predictions for Wednesday, October 22, 2025

By: David Anicetti Published 10/22/2025, 12:30 AM ET

The LA Clippers, who finished 50–32 last season and reached the first round of the playoffs, travel to face the Utah Jazz, who went 17–65 and finished last in the West, in the 2025–26 season opener at Delta Center in Salt Lake City for both teams. The tipoff is at 9:00 p.m. ET on KJZZ-TV. The Clippers look to start strong with a veteran-heavy roster, while the rebuilding Jazz continue developing one of the NBA’s youngest groups of talented players. Make a three-pointer to win it late by using our NBA free picks.

LA Clippers Preview

After another first-round playoff exit, the Clippers reloaded again in pursuit of a deeper postseason run. The Clippers added Bradley Beal, Brook Lopez, Chris Paul, and John Collins to join James Harden and Kawhi Leonard on a roster loaded with experience and scoring options. Harden, coming off a season averaging over 22 points and eight assists, remains the team’s lead playmaker, while Leonard’s return to full strength could determine how far Los Angeles goes.

The Clippers’ challenge last year was consistency on offense. They ranked in the league’s bottom third in scoring despite finishing fifth in defensive rating. Adding Beal and Paul provides more shooting and floor balance, while Lopez’s ability to stretch the court gives Leonard and Harden more room to operate. Coach Tyronn Lue now has an experienced lineup capable of defending every position. If the stars stay healthy, the Clippers have the look of a top-four team in the West.

Utah Jazz Preview

Utah begins another season focused on youth development. After a 17–65 campaign, the Jazz added several veterans to guide a promising group headlined by Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler, and Kyle Filipowski. Markkanen averaged 19 points and nearly six rebounds last season but has been the subject of trade speculation as Utah continues to rebuild. Filipowski, fresh off winning NBA 2K26 Summer League MVP, enters the season as a breakout candidate after averaging 9.6 points and 6.1 rebounds as a rookie.

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The Jazz drafted Ace Bailey fifth overall and Walter Clayton Jr. 18th to boost their long-term outlook. Veterans Kyle Anderson, Jusuf Nurkić, and Georges Niang add experience and toughness to a team that struggled defensively a year ago. While the Jazz won’t measure success in wins this season, they’ll look to establish a new identity led by their young, talented core, helped by experienced veterans.

LA Clippers vs. Utah Jazz Prediction

The Jazz have energy and youth, but the Clippers’ experience and talent should dominate from the opening tip. Expect Los Angeles to control tempo behind Harden’s playmaking and Leonard’s steady scoring as the Clippers cruise to a road win. Final Score Prediction: LA Clippers win and cover ATS 118-97.