NBA: Memphis Grizzlies vs. LA Clippers Preview, Odds, Prediction

The Memphis Grizzlies visit the LA Clippers tonight in a matchup that opens the NBA daily program. Taylor Jenkins’ unit has been arguably the biggest refreshment of the entire year. Everybody knew that the Grizzlies have the potential, but just a few expected to see them this high. Meanwhile, we are more than sure that nobody could guess that the Clippers would be this low. One of the top contenders for the NBA title before the season is battling for the playoffs, and if they don’t improve significantly, the postseason will stay just a dream for this unit.

Preview

Memphis Grizzlies (25-14, -162) come into this even with seven straight victories, and as one of the hottest teams in the league. One by one, they took down the Kings, Suns, Lakers, Spurs, Nets, Cavaliers, and eventually the Detroit Pistons in their latest contest.

The match against the team from Michigan was in Tennessee, and the Grizzlies won 118-88. They would limit the rivals to only 34.3% shooting from the field, and outrebounded them 61 to 39. Eighteen of them were offensive, and for finishing this paragraph, we are just going to add that the hosts posted 31 assists.

Steven Adams was in charge of that, with 14 rebounds. Ja Morant added nine, with 22 points and six assists, while Dillon Brooks had 18 buckets in 25 minutes. Tyus Jones had 14 off the bench, and Brandon Clarke scored 11 also off the bench.

LA Clippers (19-20, +135) lost three of the last four games, and overall, aren’t looking good at all. We are aware that the injuries and absences have taken a toll on this unit, but in general, the Clippers’ chemistry is questionable even with all players available. Paul George’s and Kawhi Leonard’s comeback needs to happen fast, otherwise, even these two guys won’t help Tyron Lue.

LAC lost the last two games, one against the Minnesota Timberwolves and the other on the road in Phoenix, 106-89. The Clips were shooting awful for three six-for-28, and they also allowed the Suns to control the glass, having 63 boards, while the guests from LA provided 49.

Marcus Morris Sr. had 26 points and eight boards, while Reggie Jackson ended the game with 16 and also eight rebounds. Eric Bledsoe once again had a disappointing night, with 10 points, 4-for-12 from the field, and Brandon Boston scored the same number of buckets with the same shooting numbers.

Head to Head

We saw two games between these teams this season, and the Grizzlies had more success in both. The first was in LA, early into the season, with the guests posting a 120-114 victory. The second was in Tennessee, and the Grizzlies also won, 120-108.

Prediction

Memphis is red-hot now, and despite the Clippers having home-court advantage, they can’t compete with the Grizzlies. Lots of injured or wounded players, plus not having Kawhi and George, is enough of a reason for us to bet on the guests’ victory. The spread is -4.5 points and we are going to suggest betting on the guests to cover that. It is not too big of a task for their level of play.

Pick: Memphis -4.5