Game Preview: Memphis Grizzlies vs Los Angeles Clippers

When: Sunday, November 11th, 2:30 CST

Where: Crypto.com Area, Los Angeles, CA

How to Stream/Watch: Bally Sports Southeast

Memphis looks to upset the Clips to get back in the win column

After another tough lost on Friday night to the Utah Jazz, the Grizz start their mini west coast road trip by taking on the LA Clippers. Currently on a two-game skid, the Grizz have a good opportunity to break this cycle against the Clippers.

Sitting at 1-8, the Grizzlies ride into LA facing a Clippers squad with two MVPs, a Finals MVP, and more all-stars than fingers on my hand. However, this may be one of their best chances to get back into the win column.

Since the new edition of James Harden, the Clippers have gone 0-3, taking their record to a measly 3-5. Clearly, the beginning stages of the Harden experiment haven’t worked well, and there is no more opportune time for Memphis to steal one on the road.

Despite their slow start with Harden, they haven’t played at home with him yet, and they hold a 3-0 home record. That being said, the Grizz’s only win has come on the road, and they hold a 1-3 record away from the Grindhouse. It’s a clash of two teams who have had similarly disappointing starts, playing in environments they are comfortable in.

As customary this season, I expect another competitive game that comes down to the last five minutes. With each team coming off a loss on Friday and Harden making his home debut, the energy in LA will be electric. But, potentially with a new fire in their belly after Friday’s post-game headlines, Memphis can walk into LA 1-8 and walk out 2-8.

Projected Startling Line Ups:

Memphis: Jacob Gilliyard, Marcus Smart, Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., Bismack Biyombo

Los Angeles: Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Ivica Zubac

Injury Report

Memphis

Doubtful: Xavier Tillman

Out: Steven Adams, Brandon Clarke, GG Jackson II, Jake LaRavia, Ja Morant, Derrick Rose

Los Angeles

Out: Brandon Boston Jr, Mason Plumlee

Did Jenkins light a new fire in his team?

After a Jackson Jr ejection, 29-13 free throw disparity, and an explicit filled post-game press conference, don’t be surprised if the Grizz come out of the gate with a newfound intensity. Head Coach Taylor Jenkins called the officiating of Friday’s game “F**king atrocious!” after Jackson Jr. was given a double-technical foul during the 3rd quarter after two blatant no-calls by the officials.

With a fine certainly coming Jenkins’ way and a team already playing with their backs against the wall, I won’t be surprised if the Grizz come into LA with extra motivation. The Grizz can make the argument that if Jackson Jr. was able to finish that game, they come out with a victory. After the ejection, the Grizz rallied to outscore the Jazz 41-34 and even tied the game at one point in the 4th quarter.

When a team sees their coach defending them publicly and one of their star players treated unfairly, it galvanizes the team into a hungrier and more focused mindset. This reminds me of former Grizzlies coach David Fizdale’s infamous “Take that for Data” post-game rant during the 2017 playoffs. The rant was after game 2 of that series after a poor officiating day, and the Grizz came out in game 3 with newfound life and won the game. Hopefully the 2023 Grizzlies follow the 2017 team’s example.

Can the supporting cast come up big?

Everyone that watches the game sees that the 3-point defense and depth have been Memphis’ biggest issues. With so many players out, certain guys have had to play unexpected minutes, which has lead to subpar bench production. The bench has scored a total of 254 points this season with an average of 28.2 per game. That’s simply not going to cut it.

When you have Bane and Jackson Jr. averaging 26.4 and 21.4 points, you need the rest of the guys to do their part. Bane and Jackson Jr. have been keeping Memphis in games, but if they want to win this game, the supporting cast needs to step up. The Clippers are a top-heavy team, and a good game from the Grizz bench can be the difference.

But as always, if you not rocking with us right now, stay on that side.