The Clippers will look to quickly move past their loss last night to the Thunder in a back to back game on the road in Memphis.
Game Info
Where: FedEx Forum, Memphis, Tennessee
When: 5:00 PM PT
How to Watch: Bally Sports SoCal, AM 570
Tickets: For great deals on Clippers tickets, check out Barry’s Tickets!
Projected Starting Lineups
Clippers: James Harden – Terance Mann – Paul George – Kawhi Leonard – Ivica Zubac
Grizzlies: Jordan Goodwin – Vince Williams Jr. – John Konchar – Santi Aldama – Jaren Jackson Jr.
Injuries
Clippers: None
Grizzlies: Ja Morant Out (Shoulder), Brandon Clarke Out (Achilles), Marcus Smart Out (Finger), Desmond Bane Out (Ankle), Scotty Pippen Jr. Out (Back), Jaren Jackson Jr. Probable (Quad), Jake LaRavia Questionable (Ankle)
The Big Picture
The Clippers had a competitive first half in their first game after the All-Star break against the rival Thunder before being blown out in the 3rd quarter. While there were some positives, the loss also demonstrated all of the Clippers’ weaknesses – poor point of attack defense, lack of size in small-ball units, and an overall athleticism deficit. Still, despite the loss to the Thunder (and a similarly revealing loss to the Wolves before the break), the Clippers remain a very good team when their starting unit is on the floor. Its finding workable and versatile bench units that should take up the last 28 games of the regular season.
The Antagonist
Despite the extremely lengthy injury report above, the Grizzlies are actually somehow healthier than they have been in months. There were a number of games before the All Star Break where the Grizzlies had Jaren Jackson, a few two-way guys, and the rest of their active roster being 10 days or emergency signings. Now a good deal of their regular roster – Aldama, Konchar, Luke Kennard, and Derrick Rose among others – are back, giving the Grizzlies the semblance of a normal NBA team. Still, they’ve found diamonds in the rough with Vince Williams Jr., a flatout good two-way wing, as well as GG Jackson, who is an extreme chucker but can really put the ball in the hoop. They’re still missing most of their best players, but this is not a team to take lightly.
Notes
Defense, Defense: For as much focus goes on the Clippers’ offensive struggles such as Russ bricklaying at the rim, PG taking horrible shots, and Harden being too passive, their real issues have come on defense. The Clippers have continued to slip into the average at best range on defense, and there’s no excuse for that given the talent on the roster. While the Grizzlies are feisty, their entire starting lineup outside of maybe Aldama are defense-first players. The Clippers should be able to shut off the Grizzlies’ offense if they lock in. Honestly, it’s a rarity in today’s NBA, but I’d love for the Clippers to keep the Grizz under 100 points. Get the ball out of JJJ and Vince’s hands and make the rest of their guys beat you – and when GG is in, bait him into contested jumpers. For everything I said above about the Grizzlies, this needs to be a Clippers win.
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