We Need a Whoopin’: Grizzles at Clippers
The Grizzlies are headed to the Staples Center to face the Clippers in their last back to back of the season. This is the second game of the last road trip of the regular season and the final game in the 4 games series against the Clippers. The Grizzlies lead the season series 2-1.
The playoff seeding in the West is a mixed bag of what-ifs at this point. I could write an entire article just on the possible final playoff seeding possibilities but it comes down to this: every game matters. The Grizzlies are going to have to dig deep and pull out the win or be looking at a scenario where they share a record with San Antonio and the Clippers instead of giving themselves a solid shot at remaining the 2 seed. (I want the Mavs in the first round, just saying.)
The Grizzlies have had their ups and downs since the All-Star break. However, it has been a relief to see them finding ways to win in the past week while still being hampered with the Tony Allen injury.
Jeff Green has been playing with a sore back and Mike Conley sat out of last night’s game with a foot injury. Conley is still listed as questionable for tonight’s game and we won’t hear anything more on Tony’s status until next week.
Heading into tonight’s game after a tough fought win against Utah last night is going to be a tough battle for the Grizzlies and they cannot afford a loss to a high seeded West team. It’s interesting to see the West so tight that every single game heading into the playoffs is the next “most important” game of the season.
Nothing is guaranteed, our backs are against the wall. It’s like having a playoffs to get to the playoffs; that’s just the way I like it too. As a fan it sure makes the games more intense.
All that said, I am going to keep this preview simple. The Clippers do not have any injuries. They are on a 4 game winning streak and have gone 9-1 in their past 10 games. That one loss; it was to Golden State. In their last 10 the Clippers have shot 49.9% from the field. They have averaged 11.1 3 point shots. They have 6 players averaging double digits and have averaged 111.9 points per game in the last 10. The Clippers can score and they can score big. They are second in the NBA in points per game while the Grizzlies are second in opponent points scored per game. It’s going to be offense vs. defense.
This game is going to come down to playing with the heart of this team. A win will mean the Grizzlies put their heads down and played the hard-nosed defense we are known for. The Grizzlies cannot let the Clippers get hot outside and they will need to keep Barnes and Crawford to minimum impact. Zach’s intensity was evident last night and I expect him to have quite the match up against Blake tonight. While Blake’s athleticism gives him scoring opportunities Zach has the ability to frustrate him. Blake did not play in the last two meetings but was held to only 12 points in the first match up of the season. It’s always an entertaining game to watch when the Grizzlies play the Clippers. Facing a team I considered a serious rival in the wake of the tightest playoff race we have seen in a long time, get ready to be on the edge of your seat!
The game tip offs at 9:00 CST tonight and will air on Fox SportSouth.
Update: Mike Conley is in a walking boot and could potentially be out for the remainder of the regular season. Breathe Grizznation; in Beno we trust.
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- Grizzlies Out Hustle Rockets and Head to Dallas - October 24, 2017
- The Grizzlies are Backed Into A Corner: Spurs Win Game 5 - April 26, 2017
- Memphis at San Antonio: Grizzlies Did Not Layeth the Smacketh Down - March 25, 2017
