Clippers Look to Avenge Losses Against Grizzlies

Team: Memphis Grizzlies (12-25) at LA Clippers (16-19)
Time: Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at 10:30pm ET (Staples Center)

The LA Clippers enter Staples Center tonight hoping to finally get a win on the Grizzlies that have beaten them 2-0. Despite the Grizzlies’ struggles this season, they clearly have the Clippers’ number.

After losing 18 out of their last 20 games, Memphis is finally starting to play better basketball; the Grizzlies have won 3 out of the last 5 games. The Clippers need to pay special attention to Tyreke Evans, because he’s been balling lately. Tyreke is averaging 21.1 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 5.1 APG, on 49/42/80 shooting through November and December.

https://twitter.com/memgrizz/status/947852417822887937

For one reason or another, Memphis tends to play their best offensive basketball against the Clippers. The Grizzlies are the 2nd worst offensive team in the league (98.7 PPG), but somehow they’ve gotten both of their season highs against the Clippers. Typically I would say LAC needs to attack the basket & rebound the ball to beat Memphis. However, things need to change this time.

Play Defense

The Grizzlies average 98 points a game, but they’ve somehow scored 113 & 115 points in two games against the Clippers.

Merry Dunkmas. pic.twitter.com/4cBtVVH0zX

— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) December 24, 2017

Memphis isn’t a high percentage team from three, they’re only 35% (9.6/27.1). Despite that, they’ve shot 41% (13/31) from deep in both games against the Clippers. Los Angeles needs to do a much better job at closing out on the three point line against Memphis.

Rebound the Ball

Memphis is the 2nd worst rebounding team in the league (39.6), and the Clippers need to take advantage of that. The last time these teams played, the Grizzlies managed to grab 47 boards against the Clippers’ 37. The Grizzlies are 26th in the league at second-chance points (10.4 PPG), but they scored 20 against the Clippers last game. Mind you, Los Angeles is the 4th best team at getting second-chance points (14.5). It’s very clear what the Clippers need to do in order to win this game, they just need to execute.

Prediction: If Memphis is held to their averages in second-chance points & three pointers, the Clippers will win the game.