Lakers’ playoff hopes take a hit Sunday as Jazz wins in Golden State

The Lakers’ playoff hopes dipped a bit on Sunday as the Utah Jazz defeated the Golden State Warriors 97-90 on the road.

The Jazz improved to 41-37, a half-game ahead of the Lakers (40-37), who lost to the Clippers, 109-95, at Staples Center on Sunday. Both teams have 37 losses, but Utah owns the tiebreaker after winning the season series 2-1.

Utah will host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday, followed by two against Minnesota Timberwolves (one at home). The Jazz finish the season on the road against the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Thunder are still actively trying to win, hoping to clinch the best record in the Western Conference over the San Antonio Spurs. By the final day of the season, the Grizzlies may opt to rest players if their playoff position is set. Currently they’re battling with the Denver Nuggets and Clippers for home-court advantage.

The Lakers still have two consecutive on Tuesday and Wednesday, starting at Staples Center against the New Orleans Hornets and followed by a visit to the Portland Trail Blazers. They finish the year with three at home against the Warriors, San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets.

Unless the Jazz lose at least one of their four games, they’ll finish ahead of the Lakers -- even if the Lakers win their remaining schedule.

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Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.