The Clippers traveled to Memphis for a mini-series against the Grizzlies. Check out our preview of game one below:
Game Information
Where: FedExForum, Memphis, TN
When: 5:00 PM PT
How to Watch: Ballys Sports, ClipperVision
How to Listen: AM 570 KLAC
Projected Starting Lineups
Clippers: Russell Westbrook – Eric Gordon – Kawhi Leonard – Nicolas Batum – Ivica Zubac
Grizzlies: Ja Morant – Desmond Bane – Dillon Brooks – Jaren Jackson, Jr. – Xavier Tillman
Injuries
Clippers:
QUESTIONABLE: Norman Powell (shoulder)
OUT: Paul George (knee), Marcus Morris, Sr. (health and safety protocols), Brandon Boston, Jr. (tailbone contusion)
Raptors:
PROBABLE: Ja Morant (thigh)
OUT: Vince Williams, Jr. (shoulder), Zaire Williams (ankle), Steven Adams (knee), Brandon Clarke (achilles)
The Big Picture
The Clippers seemed to unlock something against the Bulls: they were playing faster (led by Bones Hyland and Russell Westbrook), were moving the ball extremely well (41 assists—the new high-water mark for the season), and knocked own open shots (thank you, Nico Batum).
While hitting 50% of their threes is unsustainable, the intensity and style of play should be replicable—especially with Batum and, potentially, Covington getting more minutes. They will need to play fast and move the ball well against this young Grizzlies team. And knocking down shots will be key, as Jaren Jackson, Jr. will be protecting the rim.
The Antagonist
The Clippers are going into this game with a talent deficit, which is not often the case with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George on the roster. But this Memphis Grizzlies team—more healthy now than when the Clippers last played them—has a talented, dynamic, and young roster. Jackson is re-asserting himself as a premier defensive player, as well as scoring in higher numbers than earlier in the season. Since the Clippers beat the short-handed Grizzlies on March 5th, Memphis has only lost two games—both on the road. In fact, they have won 12 straight at home and nine of their last ten overall. This will be an extremely tough game for the Clippers.
Note
Rooting Interests:
Today, March 29th: 76ers over Mavericks; Spurs over Jazz; Bulls over Lakers; Pistons over Thunder; Blazers over Kings; Suns over Timberwolves (the Clippers need the teams under them to be pushed down more than they need to catch the Suns).
Thursday, March 30th: Nuggets over Pelicans (very important!)
That about does it for this preview of the Clippers’ upcoming game against the Grizzlies. As always, check out The Lob The Jam The Podcast and Clips ‘N Dip for analysis throughout the week, and follow us on Twitter to watch the game with us!