*10* Total DOMINATION on UNDER Jazz/Clippers.

The Clippers ended a three game losing streak with a win over the Nuggets in Denver last night, and they allowed fewer than 100 points in the victory. Improved play on defense will be a must if the Clippers hope to compete with the elite teams in the West, and I think we'll see a strong defensive effort from both teams when Utah visits the Staples Center tonight.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Utah's Defense - The Jazz rank third overall in the NBA in opponent's scoring average, allowing just 93.8 points per game. They held the Clippers to just 94 points in the last meeting between the two teams, but lost at home 94-89 late last season.

2. Ice Cold Shooting - The Jazz come in off a terrible offensive performance in a loss to Oklahoma City, shooting just 38.4 percent from the field, and going 5-of-19 from three-point range.

3. X-Factor - Five of the last seven in this series have failed to reach the total, and the under is 9-4 in Jazz last 13 overall.

Selection: This is a play on the Jazz@Clippers to go UNDER the total (10*)