This is a game Utah needs for seeding while the Warriors would actually benefit by losing. Lay it with the Jazz, who are 28-5 since late January.

The Jazz will no doubt be a popular pick Tuesday, considering they are still competing for playoff seeding, while the Warriors are locked into the No. 2 seed. Even so, only one of Utah's five straight wins came against a potential playoff team, Minnesota, and the Jazz haven't been good in spots like this. Their last loss came at home to an injury-depleted but resilient Celtics club. Golden State coach Steve Kerr has voiced concern over his team's woeful defense, which is why I don't see the Warriors mailing this one in and letting Utah create separation.

The Jazz are playing for home court in the first round, and possibly an upgrade to the No. 3 seed while the Warriors are just trying to find some kind of groove as they limp into the playoffs without Steph Curry -- Golden State 6-14 ATS in its last 20. Since Rudy Gobert returned to the Jazz lineup in January, Utah has turned into an elite defensive squad. The last time the Warriors were in Utah, January 30 with Curry, they got blasted 129-99 as 7.5-point favorites. Utah has won 2-of-3 meetings this season. The game means more to Utah and they'll play like it. I'm on Utah to cover.