The Clippers take on their old rival, the Memphis Grizzlies, now a young and rebuilding team captained by speedy guard Ja Morant. Check out the full preview of the Clippers’ game against the Grizzlies below.
Game Information
Where: FedEx Forum, Memphis, Tennessee
When: 5:00 PM PT
How to Watch: Fox Sports Prime Ticket
Projected Starting Lineups
Grizzlies: Ja Morant – Grayson Allen – Kyle Anderson – Brandon Clarke – Jonas Valanciunas
Clippers: Patrick Beverley – Paul George – Kawhi Leonard – Nicolas Batum – Serge Ibaka
Injuries
Grizzlies: Jaren Jackson Jr. Out (Knee), Dillon Brooks Questionable (Thigh)
Clippers: None
The Big Picture
The Clippers have won two of their three games since getting healthy, and are now in 2nd place in the Western Conference above the slumping Lakers. They’re still several games back of the streaking Jazz, and the scorching Suns are nipping at the heels of both the Lakers and Clippers, but the Clips are undoubtedly in a good spot. While there has been some rust with guys coming back and growing accustomed to playing with each other again, all of the key Clippers’ players look healthy, with Paul George and Kawhi Leonard looking especially dominant on Tuesday against the Wizards. If the Clippers can just keep their health for the next week, the All Star break should provide some reprieve to regain some of that lost cohesion and chemistry.
The Antagonist
Considering the Grizzlies have been missing their second-best player the entire season so far (Jaren Jackson Jr. is recovering from knee surgery), and were one of the teams ravaged by a major COVID-19 outbreak, they are probably playing above expectations. Their record of 13-14 is good enough for the 10th seed (and final play-in spot) in the tough Western Conference. Jackson should return at some point soon, providing a huge boost of firepower and shooting. However, that COVID outbreak means that the Grizzlies’ second-half schedule is absolutely loaded – they play an absurd 40 games in 68 days. That’s simply an overwhelming amount, and even if they avoid further COVID delays or injuries, the fatigue from such a crowded schedule is going to make it quite tough for them to make up ground. In terms of how they play, the Grizzlies are below average in offense and defense (20th and 19th respectively), but certainly competent enough on both ends. A big problem is that their roster is a bit oddly configured, as they have as many as 5 competent big men (modern NBA rosters really need 3, or 4 at the most) and not enough wings or shooting. This has led to them forcing players out of position (such as Kyle Anderson playing the 3 instead of 4), which has in turn cost them, especially on offense. Still, Ja Morant is explosive, and Jonas Valanciunas is still capable of big games if he gets on a roll. They aren’t to be taken lightly.
Notes
Kawhi and PG Bludgeoning Part Two: While the Wizards might have the worst wing defense in the NBA, the Grizzlies aren’t much better. Dillon Brooks is actually a pretty good defender, but he’s questionable, and is small compared to George and Leonard anyway. After that, their next best options are the rookie Desmond Bane (good but still a rookie), the very undersized Grayson Allen, and the large (and slow) Kyle Anderson. If Brooks plays, he will be on George, who should still be able to shoot over the top. If he’s out, it will really be open season.
Guarding Ja: The Grizzlies’ best and most dangerous player, Ja hasn’t had the breakout second season that some were expecting. His scoring and assists are up, but his shooting has fallen off a cliff, and most stats rate him as a worse defender this year. He is, however, the type of player who the Clippers frequently struggle to guard – explosive scoring guards. Their best defenders mostly excel at guarding larger players, not small and quick ones, and Ja is one of the fastest players in the NBA. The blossoming Terance Mann might be the Clippers’ best option on Ja, but Paul George and Kawhi Leonard’s size and Pat Beverley’s physicality should hopefully at least help in slowing down the second-year guard.
Blogging Buddies: Check out the question and answer that I did over with our friends at Grizzly Bear Blues, and examine their own game coverage to get the opposing perspective.
That’s about it for this game preview of the Clippers’ showdown against the Grizzlies. Comment on the game below!
