The Memphis Grizzlies are one of the best teams in the NBA right now. The Grizzlies are also running hot against one of the West’s other powerhouse teams, the Los Angeles Clippers.
Can Memphis take one more step toward sweeping its season series against Los Angeles? Read on as we give you everything you need to know heading into this gigantic matchup.
Friday night isn’t short on breathtaking basketball action. Check out our complete previews of the Knicks vs. Pistons and Heat vs. Pelicans.
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Los Angeles Clippers vs. Memphis Grizzlies Preview
Where: FedExForum, Memphis
When: Friday, February 27, 8:00 PM ET
Line: Los Angeles Clippers (+5) at Memphis Grizzlies (-5); total 199.0 – view all NBA lines
Betting on the Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers suffered a rare defeat to the Houston Rockets, 110-105, on Wednesday night.
[sc:NBA240banner ]DeAndre Jordan finished with his sixth double-double of the month (20 points and 19 rebounds), Chris Paul scored 22 and Jamal Crawford had 24 points off the bench, but they weren’t enough. The loss leaves Los Angeles in a tough position heading into Memphis. They’re 2-8 in their last 10 against the Grizzlies (1-9 against the spread).
Still, the Clippers are not without their flashes of brilliance. Paul has averaged 20.7 points and 7.9 assists over the 10-game run against Memphis. Jordan has averaged 6.2 points and 10.1 rebounds in that span, but is averaging 17.4 points and 18 rebounds in the past seven games without Blake Griffin.
Starting shooting guard J.J. Redick hasn’t played well against the Grizzlies. He’s averaged 11.6 points and has shot 26 percent from three in three games against Memphis as a Clipper. But Los Angeles has a capable backup shooting guard in Crawford off the bench. He has scored 20-plus points off the bench 21 times, the most of any reserve this season.
Crawford should be able to sink in his fair share of three-pointers against the Grizzlies. He has sank in 39 percent of his three-pointers in his last five. Memphis is middling in the league in three-point field goal defense (35.1 percent) this season.
The Memphis Grizzlies stumbled at Sacramento on Wednesday night, dropping a 102-90 decision to the Kings. The Grizzlies fell to 4-2 (2-4 ATS) in their last six following the loss. Memphis may get themselves back on the win column against a team they’ve dominated for almost two years in the Clippers.
The Grizzlies won their first two meetings against Los Angeles this season with unforgiving offense in the paint. Memphis has outscored the Clippers 92-58 from the shaded area thus far with some excellent play from center Marc Gasol. He’s averaging 17 points, nine rebounds and 2.5 blocks against Los Angeles.
Power forward Zach Randolph may be another viable weapon in the paint, despite scoring just seven points in their win against the Clippers on Monday. He’s averaged 15.4 points and eight rebounds in his last five games.
Point guard Mike Conley has also played well against the Clippers. He’s averaging 12.5 points and seven assists in the season series. Los Angeles has allowed 23.8 asssits per game this season to rank in the bottom five of the league in dimes allowed. Expect Conley to spread the ball around considering Memphis has plenty of options to score.
The Grizzlies are 5-1 SU/ATS in their last six home games against Los Angeles.
Writer’s Prediction
The Grizzlies extend their winning run against Los Angeles. Take Memphis to win and cover.
