The Clippers are back in Los Angeles/Inglewood after primarily living on the road the past few weeks, and a home crowd could be what’s needed to get them back on track as we head into the holidays.
Game Information
Where: Intuit Dome, Inglewood, California
When: 7:30 PM PT
How to Watch: FanDuel Sports SoCal, AM 570
Projected Starting Lineups
Grizzlies: Ja Morant – Jaylen Wells – Cedric Coward – Santi Aldama – Jaren Jackson Jr.
Clippers: James Harden – Kris Dunn – Kawhi Leonard – John Collins – Ivica Zubac
Injuries
Grizzlies: Brandon Clarke Doubtful (Knee), Zach Edey Out (Ankle), Scotty Pippen Jr. Out (Toe), Ty Jerome Out (Calf), John Konchar Out (Thumb), Javon Small Out (Toe)
Clippers: James Harden Questionable (Calf), Nic Batum Questionable (Illness), Bradley Beal Out (Hip), Derrick Jones Jr. Out (Knee), Chris Paul Out (Not with team)
The Big Picture
The Clippers lost another close game on Thursday before getting a second extended rest. They have only played one game in the past week, which should be good for old legs and for getting practice reps. Their last four games have been comparatively better than a lot of their play this season, but until wins start coming, the process doesn’t mean as much. They have yet to play a truly complete game unless you count their win against the injury-ravaged Hawks or a couple of their very, very early-season wins, and that needs to change if they are going to start making up ground in the Western Conference.
The Antagonist
The Grizzlies have already reversed their fortunes somewhat since their first game against the Clippers a couple weeks back, jumping past the Clippers, Jazz, Blazers, and Mavs in the standings to move into a play-in spot. That said, they’re still only 11-14 and have looked shaky whenever Zach Edey is not on the floor. With Edey out for four weeks, it’s reasonable to expect the Grizz to sink back down a bit, even with Ja Morant back. A big question for them: can Brandon Clarke (expected to return very soon if not tonight) give them anything, or is he shot due to injuries?
Notes
A Tough Schedule: While the Clippers have disappointed this year (to put it lightly), it must be noted that they’ve played a fairly challenging schedule to this point, logging just 10 games at home (tied for second-fewest in the NBA) and playing only a couple of the league’s other bottom-feeders so far. It’s not really an excuse for the Clippers, who have been just as bad as their record would indicate, but more home games and contests against teams like the Kings, Pelicans, Nets, Wizards, and Pacers should help them rack up at least some victories as we get into the heart of the NBA season.
Bench Please: The Clippers have been bad across the board, but they’ve gotten nothing from their bench in far too many games this year. Unfortunately, with Beal and DJJ out, Bogi in and out, and Chris Paul and Brook Lopez completely ineffective, five of the Clippers’ top six projected rotation players have provided limited to no impact. That’s been devastating in and of itself, and has also pushed Kobe Sanders, Kobe Brown, and Cam Christie into the rotation. The young guys have had some promising flashes but ultimately have not been reliable. A really strong bench showing is just what the Clippers need to get back in the win column. Could it be Bogi? Jordan Miller? Sanders? We just have to hope someone in the reserve unit comes through with a big performance.
