Memphis Grizzlies Vs Los Angeles Clippers Game Preview and Game Thread

WHO: Memphis Grizzlies (48-28, 33-6 home) Los Angeles Clippers (41-36, 20-18 road)

WHEN: 7:00 PM CT

WHERE: Fedex Forum — Memphis, TN

HOW TO WATCH/LISTEN: ESPN/Bally Sports Southeast/92.9 FM ESPN Memphis

INJURY REPORT:

MEMPHIS: Steven Adams (Out – RT Knee PCL Sprain), Brandon Clarke (Out – LT Achilles tear), Ziaire Williams (Out- RT Foot/Ankle Soreness)

LOS ANGELES: Paul George (Out – Knee Sprain), Marcus Morris Sr. (Out – COVID-19 protocols), Brandon Boston Jr. (Out – Lower Body), Kawhi Leonard (Questionable – personal)

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUPS:

MEMPHIS: Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Dillon Brooks, Jaren Jackson Jr., Xavier Tillman

LOS ANGELES: Russell Westbrook, Eric Gordon, Kawhi Leonard, Nicolas Batum, Ivica Zubac

The Memphis Grizzlies welcome in the Los Angeles Clippers, looking to avenge a 141-132 loss on Wednesday. This matchup will be very different, however, as it seems Kawhi Leonard, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane should all be returning to their respective starting fives.

The last game was won behind a great performance from Russell Westbrook who scored 36 points and was 5-5 from behind the arc. Here are some players and trends to watch as the Grizzlies try to win the rematch.

The return of Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr.

Bane and Jackson were two of the Grizzlies who missed the first meeting, and their absence was felt. Without Jackson in the interior, the Grizzlies’ entire defensive scheme broke down. They gave up 141 points and let the Clippers get whatever they wanted offensively. 

On the other end, the Grizzlies made just 11 of their 32 three-point attempts. Adding Bane and the ability to play him with Kennard creates a lot of high-percentage looks from deep. Having a shooter of Bane’s caliber should help make up the three-point differential, but they will also have to do a better job guarding the perimeter as a team.

Guarding the 3-point line

The main issue in the last loss vs Los Angeles was the Grizzlies’ inability to guard the three. The Clippers shot 22-37 from behind the arc, while Westbrook and Robert Covington combined to go 12-12 from deep. Another performance that well is unlikely, but a lot of their attempts were wide-open, so it’s no surprise that they shot a high percentage.

Over-helping and giving up open threes has been an issue on the road for the Grizzlies, but it was surprising to see that issue at home. With Jackson back in the lineup, the entire defense should be able to return to normal. The defense will be the key to getting a bounce-back win tonight.

The Kawhi Leonard matchup

Coach Taylor Jenkins said that the Grizzlies starters would begin to play more minutes as they ramp up for the playoffs. With the starting five almost back to full health, expect them to begin this process today. Memphis is is good position in terms of the standings, now it’s just about building even more chemistry heading into the games that matter most.

Leonard is still questionable for personal reasons but is expected to play on Friday. If he does, it will be another All-Star-level matchup for Dillon Brooks. Brooks was on the record saying he was hoping Kawhi would play on Wednesday, it seems he will get exactly what he wants. It will definitely be the matchup to watch in Memphis.

Coach Taylor Jenkins said that the Grizzlies starters would begin to play more minutes as they ramp up for the playoffs. With the starting five almost back to total health, expect them to begin this process today. Memphis is in a good position regarding the standings; now it’s just about building more chemistry heading into the games that matter most.