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Clippers vs. Grizzlies Game Preview: Pushing Through
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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Clippers vs. Grizzlies Game Preview: Pushing Through
Robert Flom