Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images. Pictured: Mike Conley #10 of the Utah Jazz.
The betting line for Game 1 between the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Clippers was seemingly settled at 4, but an injury to Mike Conley forced a change.
The Jazz announced Conley will miss Tuesday’s game with a right hamstring strain. As a result, the spread moved from Utah being a 4-point favorite down to a 3-point consensus favorite (real-time odds here). The total remained 220.5 at time of publication.
The hope for the Jazz was that a week off would be enough time for Conley to heal after suffering the injury in the first half of Utah’s Game 5 win over the Memphis Grizzlies last Wednesday.
Unfortunately for Utah, that wasn’t the case. Conley practiced in a limited capacity Monday but the starting point guard is unable to go.
“Those things are hard to predict,” Jazz coach Quin Snyder told reporters.
Conley is a big absence for Utah after averaging 17 points and 8 assists per game in the opening round.
Without Conley, the Jazz will likely turn to Donovan Mitchell for ball-handling duties with Joe Ingles stepping into the starting lineup.
Los Angeles is dealing with an injury as well. Serge Ibaka remains out for the Clippers due to a back injury. Ibaka continues to be listed as doubtful with back spasms, but head coach Ty Lue said Ibaka didn’t travel with the team to Utah.
Utah is a -120 favorite to win the series at PointsBet with the Clippers coming back at even money.
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